Role of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of gallbladder metastatic melanoma. A review of the literature and a case report

Cancer Rep (Hoboken). 2022 Jul;5(7):e1549. doi: 10.1002/cnr2.1549. Epub 2022 Jan 3.

Abstract

Background: Primary and secondary gallbladder melanomas are rare, and only 58 cases have been reported in scientific literature to date. This paper aimed to explore the role of minimally invasive surgery in the management of gallbladder metastatic melanomas.

Case: Herein, we present the case of a 68-year-old man with metastatic gallbladder melanoma who was treated with laparoscopic cholecystectomy. Our case management was then compared with that of other cases reported in the literature.

Conclusion: Currently, metastatic melanomas can be considered as a potentially curable disease. Palliation of symptoms and fast recovery following minimally invasive procedures could be beneficial for these patients. Particularly, laparoscopic procedures appear to prolong the survival of gallbladder melanoma patients.

Keywords: gallbladder; intramucosal metastasis; metastatic melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Cholecystectomy, Laparoscopic*
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms* / pathology
  • Gallbladder Neoplasms* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma* / diagnosis
  • Melanoma* / pathology
  • Melanoma* / surgery
  • Skin Neoplasms* / pathology