title: A case of malignant melanoma of the vagina during pregnancy: immunological problems.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  A clinical case of malignant melanoma of the vagina diagnosed during late pregnancy is described. Prompt histological examination showed a malignant melanoma at an early stage. The treatment of choice for malignant melanoma is surgical exicision. At present we are trying to associate immunological and chemotherapeutic treatments with surgical ones.
  
  
  METHODS
  A 27-year-old primipara was diagnosed with malignant melanoma at 38 weeks' gestation. The patient underwent a cesarean section. Careful evaluation of the immunological characteristics of the patient induced us to treat the melanoma with human leukocyte alpha interferon. The result was an increase in T4 cells with respect to T8 cells, with an enhancement in the ratio of CD4 to CD8.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  The results suggest the immune system plays a major role in the modification and regulation of neoplasias of the genital tract.
authors.affiliation: Department of Obstetric and Gynecology, Second University of Naples, Italy.
authors.forename: R
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Zarcone
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Bellini
authors.forename: E
authors.initials: E
authors.lastname: Carfora
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Cardone
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D016516:CD4-CD8 Ratio; D015496:CD4-Positive T-Lymphocytes / Q000276:immunology; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000276:immunology*; D011247:Pregnancy; D011252:Pregnancy Complications, Neoplastic / Q000276:immunology*; D014625:Vaginal Neoplasms / Q000276:immunology*