title: Malignant transformation of intramedullary melanocytoma: case report.
abstract: 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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Neurosurgery, University of Pisa, Pisa, Italy. p.perrini@ao-pisa.toscana.it
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Perrini
authors.forename: Michele
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Caniglia
authors.forename: Marzia
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Pieroni
authors.forename: Maura
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Castagna
authors.forename: Giuliano Francesco
authors.initials: GF
authors.lastname: Parenti
mesh_terms: 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