Ovarian malignant melanoma: unusual presentation of a solitary metastasis

Gynecol Oncol. 2005 Nov;99(2):412-4. doi: 10.1016/j.ygyno.2005.06.066. Epub 2005 Aug 19.

Abstract

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.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / pathology
  • Ovarian Neoplasms / secondary*