Ovarian malignant melanoma: Unusual presentation of a solitary metastasis

“Black Ovaries”: An Uncommon Case of First Systemic Recurrence of Melanoma

Here we describe a rare case of a 48-year-old woman with a previous history of malignant melanoma (pT2a pathological stage, IB clinical stage) occurring about five years previously. She complained of abdominal pain and pelvic discomfort, diagnosed as a consequence of a bilateral ovarian solid masses completely occupying the recto-uterine space. She underwent laparotomy surgery with total hysterectomy and bilateral salpingo-oophorectomy. Gross examination of the excised material revealed an unusual grey-black bilateral ovarian tumor; a histopathological diagnosis of ovarian bilateral metastatic melanoma was made. Imaging study (CT/MRI) did not reveal metastasis in other zones of the body. Melanoma metastasis usually affects the skin, liver, brain and lungs, and rarely gynecological localizations. On the other hand, most bilateral ovarian tumors are comprised of serous carcinoma, mature teratoma and gastrointestinal carcinoma metastasis. Exceptionally, primary ovarian melanoma may arise in mature ovarian cystic teratomas.

Ruptured ovarian metastatic malignant melanoma caused acute abdomen

Ovarian metastatic malignant melanoma is a rare form of disseminated malignant melanoma. We present a rare case of acute abdomen due to rupture of ovarian metastatic malignant melanoma seven years after removal of a primary cutaneous malignant melanoma lesion, followed by reexcision of the cicatrix and axillary dissection (Clark III, Breslow IV), one year after osteoplastic parietal craniotomy for removal of recidiv metastatic lesions, and excision of the cutaneous malignant melanoma lesion on the upper leg were performed. During laparotomy because of acute abdomen, 4 L of free liquid (blood and ascites) were evacuated. The right adnexal mass was loose tumor, size 110x75 mm, with rupture on the posterior wall and hemorrhage. Unilateral adnexectomy was performed. Pathohystologic evaluation revealed tumor cells with eosinophilic, clear cytoplasm, intracytoplasmatic melanotic pigment and a great number of mitosis.Immunohistochemical results supported positivity for protein S-100, whereas results for cytoceratin 7, cytoceratin 20, pancytoceratin, epithelial membrane antigen and HMB-45 were negative. Three months after the surgery the patient died due to disseminated cerebral melanoma. An adnexal mass and the history of previous MM should be suspected to be ovarian metastatic malignant melanoma and the patient should be seen by gynecologist at least for active treatment.

Diagnostic challenge for ovarian malignant melanoma in premenopausal women: primary or metastatic?

BACKGROUND

In the ovary, metastatic malignant melanoma may be confused with primary malignant melanoma and presents a diagnosis challenge. Most cases are associated with disseminated diseases and poor prognosis. We present this case report of a metastatic ovarian malignant melanoma simulating primary ovarian cancer.

CASE REPORT

A 45-year-old premenopausal woman was incidentally found to have an abdominal mass, 3 years after removal of a cutaneous melanoma lesion. Ultrasound and CT scan revealed left two solid masses, which were found to be an ovarian tumor at laparotomy. Left oophorectomy was performed. Histopathology and immunohistochemistry showed melanoma metastasis to the ovary. Nine months later, the patient developed epilepsy and confusion. Magnetic Resonance Imaging showed unique Wright frontal lobe lesion. She underwent stereotactic radio surgery and dacarbazine monotherapy. For months later, the patient is died from disseminate disease progression.

CONCLUSION

Ovarian metastasis is an unusual presentation of cutaneous melanoma and the prognosis was dismal. As illustrated by this case report, a differential diagnosis of a metastatic malignant melanoma must be considered.

[Primary ovarian malignant melanoma]

BACKGROUND

Primary ovarian malignant melanoma is extremely rare. It usually appears in the wall of a dermoid cyst or is associated with another teratomatous component. Metastatic primary malignant melanoma to ovary from a primary melanoma elsewhere is well known and has been often reported especially in autopsy studies.

CASE REPORT

We presented a case of primary ovarian malignant melanoma in a 45-year old woman, with no evidence of extraovarian primary melanoma nor teratomatous component. The tumor was unilateral, macroscopically on section presented as solid mass, dark brown to black color. Microscopically, tumor cells showed positive immunohistochemical reaction for HMB-45, melan-A and S-100 protein, and negative immunoreactivity for estrogen and progesteron receptors.

CONCLUSION

Differentiate metastatic melanoma from rare primary ovarian malignant melanoma, in some of cases may be a histopathological diagnostic problem. Histopathological diagnosis of primary ovarian malignant melanoma should be confirmed by immunohistochemical analyses and detailed clinical search for an occult primary tumor.

Delayed malignant melanoma recurrence simulating primary ovarian cancer: case report

Background

Metastatic involvement of the ovary from malignant melanoma is uncommon and presents a diagnostic challenge. Most cases are associated with disseminated disease and carry a dismal prognosis. Delayed ovarian recurrences from melanoma may mimic primary ovarian cancer and lead to aggressive cytoreductive procedures.

Case presentation

A case of malignant melanoma in a premenopausal patient is presented with late abdominal and ovarian metastatic spread, where ascitic fluid cytology led to an accurate preoperative diagnosis and the avoidance of unnecessary surgical procedures.

Conclusion

Secondary ovarian involvement is associated with a poor prognosis and efforts should be made for adequate palliation. Pathologic diagnosis with non-invasive procedures is crucial in order to avoid unnecessary surgery. Surgical interventions may be undertaken only in selected cases of limited metastatic disease, where complete resection is expected