Malignant Melanoma Presenting as Thoracic Midline Malignancy: Clinicopathologic and Molecular Features

Appl Immunohistochem Mol Morphol. 2018 Jan;26(1):46-53. doi: 10.1097/PAI.0000000000000546.

Abstract

Because of rarity, clinicopathologic and genomic profiles of noncutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) are not well characterized. In this study, we provide a detailed evaluation of 6 cases of MM presenting as thoracic midline malignancy. The tumors occurred in 6 white patients (5 males and 1 female; medium age, 71.5 y; range, 55 to 81 y). At presentation, the disease was confined to the chest (6/6) with 4 cases subsequently showing brain metastasis. All 6 tumors featured epithelioid and 1 case also spindle cell morphology. Three of 6 tumors had melanin and all 6 expressed melanocytic markers. Molecular characterization showed 2 of 6 tumors with BRAF"hot spot" genetic alterations (both with BRAFV600K) and 1 with NF1mutation. All 6 patients died of the disease within 1 year (mean survival, 4.8 mo). One patient showed a partial response to BRAF inhibitor. Our study shows that MM in this location has a spectrum of genetic alterations. The findings highlight the need for comprehensive next generation sequencing-based molecular testing to optimize targeted therapies of this aggressive malignancy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Aged, 80 and over
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / genetics*
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • High-Throughput Nucleotide Sequencing
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanoma / physiopathology
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / physiopathology
  • Thoracic Neoplasms / therapy
  • Treatment Outcome

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor