Melasma-like hyperpigmentation: A rare side effect of imatinib mesylate

Abstract

Imatinib mesylate is an oral tyrosine kinase inhibitor used chiefly to treat chronic myeloid leukemia. In the literature, hypopigmentation is a commonly reported side effect of imatinib therapy; however, the cases of melasma-like hyperpigmentation due to imatinib have also been sparingly reported. We report a 35-year-old male patient who had asymptomatic hyperpigmentation over the cheeks and nose for 3 months after being started with oral imatinib. Examination showed pigmentation confined to the cheeks and nose. The diagnosis was made clinically along with dermoscopy, and the patient was treated with conventional skin-lightening regimen and sunscreen.

Keywords

• hyperpigmentation
• hypopigmentation
• imatinib mesylate
• melasma