Endobronchial melanoma metastasis 40 years after the excision of the primary cutaneous tumor: A case report. Issue 34 (August 2017)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Karpathiou, Georgia; Froudarakis, Marios; Da Cruz, Vanessa; Forest, Fabien; Sauvage, Maxime; Vergnon, Jean Michel; Peoc'h, Michel
• Other Names: Dalar. Levent section editor.
• Is Part Of: Medicine. Volume 96:Issue 34(2017)
• Publication Date: 2017-08
• Subjects: BRAF -- differential diagnosis -- lung -- recurrence; Medicine -- Periodicals; Medicine -- Periodicals; Médecine -- Périodiques; Geneeskunde; Medicine; Periodicals; Periodicals; 610.5
• DOI: 10.1097/MD.0000000000007931
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0025-7974

Abstract

Abstract: Rationale: Endobronchial melanoma metastases are rare, comprising 4.5% of all endobronchial metastases. They are diagnosed at a median time of 48 months from primary tumor presentation, and survival of these patients is poorer when accompanied by other metastatic sites or malignant pleural effusion. We present a case of endobronchial melanoma metastasis happening 40 years after the initial diagnosis. The need of adjuvant techniques in the diagnosis of this tumor is highlighted and a short review on this rare phenomenon is provided. Patients concerns: An 83-year old nonsmoking woman, presented with dyspnea. Diagnoses: Left lung atelectasis was found. Interventions: Endobronchial resection of a tumor of the left main stem bronchus was achieved by rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia with complete reventilation of the left lung. Outcomes: Histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostics of the resected tumor led to a diagnosis of an endobronchial melanoma metastasis. Lessons: Melanoma is a type of tumor that cannot be regarded as cured even after long disease-free periods, and thus, any new symptomatology in these patients warrants stringent work up.