Primary cervical meningeal melanocytoma with a dumbbell shape: Case report and review of the literature

Abstract

Rationale: Meningeal melanocytoma is a rare benign pigmented tumor originat from leptomeningeal melanocytes. Here, we report the case of a female who presented with numbness and weakness of the limbs for approximately 6 months.

Patient concerns: We report the case of a 60-year-old Chinese female who presented with numbness and weakness of the limbs for approximately 6 months. computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) revealed a dumbbell-shaped tumor inside and outside the cervical (C) spinal canal.

Diagnoses: The patient was using CT and MRI. Subsequently, the patient underwent surgery, and low-grade melanocytoma was diagnosed pathologically.

Interventions: Subsequently, the patient underwent a surgery, and the tumor was completely removed.

Outcomes: The tumor did not recur after 6 months.

Conclusion: This case suggested 2 "take-away" lessons: first, spinal meningeal melanocytomas may be dumbbell-shaped; and second, melanocytoma could appear as hyperintense, isointense, or hypointense on T2-weighted MRI.