Malignant transformation of intramedullary melanocytoma: case report.
OBJECTIVE
Meningeal melanocytomas are low-grade primary melanocytic tumors with benign histological features and a favorable clinical prognosis. Transition from meningeal melanocytoma to primary melanoma of the central nervous system is exceptionally rare, with only 5 cases having been previously reported. Here, we discuss a case of malignant transformation of an intramedullary melanocytoma to primary melanoma and review the pertinent literature.


METHODS
A 79-year-old woman presented with progressive paresis in the lower limbs followed by sphincter dysfunction. Magnetic resonance imaging scans disclosed an intramedullary lesion located at the T10-T11 level.


METHODS
The patient underwent subtotal resection of an intermediate-grade melanocytoma. Two years later, the tumor recurred locally, and the patient underwent additional surgery to remove the intramedullary mass. The histological findings of the tumor were consistent with an intramedullary malignant melanoma.


CONCLUSIONS
The malignant transformation of melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system may occur years after surgical treatment, and its incidence remains unknown. Emphasis should be placed on the importance of careful and continued follow-up monitoring of the tumor.
Perrini
Paolo
P
Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. p.perrini@ao-pisa.toscana.it
Caniglia
Michele
M
Pieroni
Marzia
M
Castagna
Maura
M
Parenti
Giuliano Francesco
GF
D000368:Aged; D002471:Cell Transformation, Neoplastic / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology*; D008577:Meningeal Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D009508:Nevus, Pigmented / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery; D013120:Spinal Cord Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology* / Q000503:physiopathology / Q000601:surgery