Primary gynecologic melanoma: A report of two unusual cases

Gynecol Oncol Rep. 2015 Jan 17:11:31-3. doi: 10.1016/j.gore.2015.01.003. eCollection 2015 Jan.

Abstract

Background: Primary ovarian and cervical melanomas are extremely rare tumors with a poor prognosis. Diagnosis requires a high index of suspicion as presentation can mimic benign conditions clinically and other neoplasms histologically.

Cases: A 41 year-old with an adnexal mass underwent surgical staging for a stage IA ovarian melanoma. Imaging revealed a brain metastasis treated with radiation. Subsequent nodal recurrence was treated with immune and targeted therapies. She is alive with disease at 61 months follow-up. A 54 year-old presented after endocervical melanoma was diagnosed with polypectomy. She underwent radical hysterectomy, lymphadenectomy, and adjuvant brachytherapy. Immediate post-treatment imaging revealed widespread liver and pulmonary metastasis, currently being treated with ipilimumab.

Conclusion: Immunohistochemistry can facilitate the diagnosis of gynecologic melanoma, and multidisciplinary treatment is recommended.

Keywords: Cervical melanoma; Immunotherapy; Multidisciplinary treatment; Ovarian melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports