title: Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system.
abstract: Primary melanocytic neoplasms of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare lesions arising from melanocytes of the leptomeninges. They include diffuse leptomeningeal melanocytosis or melanomatosis, melanocytoma and primary malignant melanoma. We have reviewed the English literature regarding these lesions, which consists of case reports and a small number of larger case series. The presenting features, radiological, surgical and histological findings are reviewed, as are current management options and prognosis. We also present illustrative case reports of diffuse leptomeningeal melanocytosis and primary melanoma of the CNS.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, The Royal Melbourne Hospital, Grattan Street, Parkville, Victoria 3050, Australia. simon.liubinas@gmail.com
authors.forename: Simon V
authors.initials: SV
authors.lastname: Liubinas
authors.forename: Nicholas
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Maartens
authors.forename: Katharine J
authors.initials: KJ
authors.lastname: Drummond
mesh_terms: D016543:Central Nervous System Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D006801:Humans; D008544:Melanocytes / Q000473:pathology*; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000628:therapy