Melanoma Research Today is a free monthly online journal that collates and summarizes the latest research about Melanoma, including details on identification, causes, prevention, treatment.

Ovarian malignant melanoma: unusual presentation of a solitary metastasis.

Oliver R, Dasgupta C, Coker A, Al-Okati D, Weekes AR

Harold Wood Hospital, Gubbins Lane, Romford, Essex-RM3 0BE, UK. oliverreebs@aol.com

BACKGROUND: Malignant melanomas of the ovary are rare with unpredictable clinical and biological behavior. We present this case report of a metastatic ovarian malignant melanoma, where the ovary was the first site of relapse after 10 years of remission. CASE: A 58-year-old postmenopausal woman was incidentally found to have an abdominal mass, 10 years after removal of a cutaneous malignant melanoma lesion. Ultrasound and CT scan revealed an adnexal mass, which was found to be a solitary ovarian tumor at laparotomy. Histology confirmed malignant melanoma metastasis. CONCLUSION: Relapse after a prolonged period of remission, presenting, as an isolated ovarian metastasis is an unusual presentation of malignant melanoma. As illustrated by this case report, a differential diagnosis of a metastatic malignant melanoma must be considered.

Published 24 October 2005 in Gynecol Oncol, 99(2): 412-4.
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