Open Access

CASE REPORT

A Primary Sacral Melanoma of Unknown Origin: A Case Report

by Ismail Bozkurt^1,*, Baris Yasar¹, Mehmet Baran Uslu², Nazan Bozdogan³

1 Department of Neurosurgery, Cankiri State Hospital, Cankiri, Turkey
2 Department of Orthopedics, Cankiri State Hospital, Cankiri, Turkey
3 Department of Pathology, Dr. A.Y. Ankara Oncology Training and Research Hospital, Ankara, Turkey

* Corresponding Author: Ismail Bozkurt. Email:

Oncologie 2022, 24(1), 163-171. https://doi.org/10.32604/oncologie.2022.019263

Received 12 September 2021; Accepted 28 December 2021; Issue published 31 March 2022

Abstract

Malignant melanoma caused by malignant transformation of melanocytes is associated with high mortality and is difficult to manage. Metastasis is not uncommon (up to 31% of all cases) and is closely associated with a poor prognosis. Although rare (4–5%), extracutaneous melanoma has been reported; however, primary malignant melanoma of the sacrum is extremely rare (only three case reports to date). Here, we present a 51-year-old patient who underwent surgical treatment for a lesion of the spinal canal and associated bony structures; extensive aggressive resection was required. She underwent partial sacrectomy and lumbo-iliac fixation (to maintain spinal stability). Pathology revealed malignant melanoma. We discuss the diagnosis, surgical intervention, and postoperative follow-up, which may assist clinicians. Although metastatic malignant melanoma is usually fatal, primary extracutaneous melanoma of the spine may respond well to surgery and adjuvant radiotherapy.

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Keywords

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