Primary dural melanomas: report of two cases and review of the literature.

Two cases of primary melanoma of the central nervous system originating from the dura mater and without involvement of the leptomeninges are described. In one case, the tumor was located extradurally with firm attachment to the dura mater and dural melanosis. In the other case, the dura was involved diffusely with multiple discrete masses of 1 to 3 mm in diameter. A literature review revealed five other cases of primary dural melanoma. A discussion of the origin of primary dural melanoma is presented.