Primary malignant melanoma of the small intestine: a report of 2 cases and a review of the literature

Ann Surg Treat Res. 2018 May;94(5):274-278. doi: 10.4174/astr.2018.94.5.274. Epub 2018 Apr 30.

Abstract

The majority of malignant melanomas in the small intestine are metastases from primary cutaneous lesions, it can also develop as a primary mucosal tumor in the gastrointestinal tract. In this report, we present rare cases of primary small bowel melanoma and review the current literature. A 78-year-old male presented with abdominal pain and CT enterography identified a ileal mass. A 79-year-old female presented with signs and symptoms of partial small bowel obstruction. Abdominopelvic CT and small bowel series revealed a obstructing mass in the distal jejunum. The masses were confirmed on laparotomy and histologically diagnosed as melanoma. Extensive postoperative clinical examination revealed no cutaneous lesions. A primary small bowel melanoma is an extremely rare neoplasm. A definite diagnosis can only be made after a thorough investigation has been made to exclude the coexistence of a primary lesion. Curative resection of the tumor remains the treatment of choice.

Keywords: Gastrointestinal tract; Melanoma; Small intestine.

Publication types

  • Case Reports