Melanoma relapse over a pacemaker pocket: case report and integrated management strategies

Minerva Chir. 2013 Jun;68(3):329-32.

Abstract

We report the first related case of a metastasis from melanoma appeared on a pacemaker device pocket. The stadiation exams showed that this is the only localization of the pathology. The integrated management from both cardiologic and dermatologic surgery was described. It was composed by two interventions, a first time for the implant of a new device contralaterally, and later by the surgical intervention, with exeresis of the lesion, radical lymph node dissection of the axilla and plastic reconstruction. The previous pacemaker implant may hypothetically create a favourable environment for metastatic cells ingrowth. This could be explained by a chronic inflammatory reaction and capsule formation around the device as previously reported, or by a blockage of lymphatic drainage in this specific site.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma* / diagnosis
  • Melanoma* / therapy
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local* / diagnosis
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local* / therapy
  • Pacemaker, Artificial*
  • Postoperative Complications* / diagnosis
  • Postoperative Complications* / therapy
  • Skin Neoplasms* / diagnosis
  • Skin Neoplasms* / therapy