OBJECTIVE: Meningeal melanocytomas are low-grade primary melanocytic tumors with benign histological features and a favorable clinical prognosis. Transition from meningeal melanocytoma to primary melanoma of the central nervous system is exceptionally rare, with only 5 cases having been previously reported. Here, we discuss a case of malignant transformation of an intramedullary melanocytoma to primary melanoma and review the pertinent literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old woman presented with progressive paresis in the lower limbs followed by sphincter dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging scans disclosed an intramedullary lesion located at the T10-T11 level. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent subtotal resection of an intermediate-grade melanocytoma. Two years later, the tumor recurred locally, and the patient underwent additional surgery to remove the intramedullary mass. The histological findings of the tumor were consistent with an intramedullary malignant melanoma. CONCLUSION: The malignant transformation of melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system may occur years after surgical treatment, and its incidence remains unknown. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of careful and continued follow-up monitoring of the tumor.
OBJECTIVE:Meningeal melanocytomas are low-grade primary melanocytic tumors with benign histological features and a favorable clinical prognosis. Transition from meningeal melanocytoma to primary melanoma of the central nervous system is exceptionally rare, with only 5 cases having been previously reported. Here, we discuss a case of malignant transformation of an intramedullary melanocytoma to primary melanoma and review the pertinent literature. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 79-year-old woman presented with progressive paresis in the lower limbs followed by sphincter dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging scans disclosed an intramedullary lesion located at the T10-T11 level. INTERVENTION: The patient underwent subtotal resection of an intermediate-grade melanocytoma. Two years later, the tumor recurred locally, and the patient underwent additional surgery to remove the intramedullary mass. The histological findings of the tumor were consistent with an intramedullary malignant melanoma. CONCLUSION: The malignant transformation of melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system may occur years after surgical treatment, and its incidence remains unknown. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of careful and continued follow-up monitoring of the tumor.
Authors: Heidi V N Küsters-Vandevelde; Ilse A C H van Engen-van Grunsven; Sarah E Coupland; Sarah L Lake; Jos Rijntjes; Rolph Pfundt; Benno Küsters; Pieter Wesseling; Willeke A M Blokx; Patricia J T A Groenen Journal: Pathol Oncol Res Date: 2014-10-15 Impact factor: 3.201
Authors: Niels A Foit; Marian C Neidert; Christoph M Woernle; Elisabeth J Rushing; Niklaus Krayenbühl Journal: Eur Spine J Date: 2013-04-13 Impact factor: 3.134
Authors: Franca Wagner; Sabina Berezowska; Roland Wiest; Jan Gralla; Jürgen Beck; Rajeev K Verma; Adrian Huber Journal: Radiol Case Rep Date: 2015-12-03