Solitary Metastatic Melanoma of the Pituitary Gland: Report of Two Cases and Literature Review

World Neurosurg. 2020 Jul:139:378-381. doi: 10.1016/j.wneu.2020.04.138. Epub 2020 Apr 27.

Abstract

Background: Pituitary melanoma metastases (PMMs) are extremely rare and only a few cases are reported in the literature. PMMs can grow rapidly and present local invasiveness, leading to acute onset of neurological symptoms such as headache, visual and oculomotion disorders or endocrinological signs such as diabetes insipidus and hypopituitarism, and can be life-threatening. For this reason, PMMs must be recognized and treated promptly.

Case description: The authors present 2 cases of PMMs managed at their institution, performing a review of the dedicated literature and analyzing current therapeutic strategies.

Keywords: Melanoma; Pituitary melanoma metastasis; Transsphenoidal surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Melanoma / surgery
  • Melanoma, Cutaneous Malignant
  • Neurosurgical Procedures / methods
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Pituitary Neoplasms / surgery
  • Skin Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Skin Neoplasms / surgery