Gastric Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma: Report of a Case and Review of Available Literature

Abstract

Background: Malignant melanoma is a tumor with common lymphogenic or hematogenic metastasis. Metastasis to the gastric mucosa is uncommon. Case Report: We present the case of a 43-year-old female patient with metastases of a malignant melanoma to the lesser curvature of the stomach. The primary malignant melanoma of the right breast was resected 2 years previously. Conclusion: Metastases to the gastric mucosa are rarely seen. Esophagogastroduodenoscopy should be performed in symptomatic patients to rule out metastatic disease. When R0 resection can be achieved, it should be undertaken in order to increase the overall prognosis of the patient.

A Patient with Malignant Melanoma Diagnosed with Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Case Report

“…In the gastrointestinal system, it metastasizes most frequently to the small intestines, large intestines and the anorectal area. Gastric metastasis is known to be very rare (11). However, there were metastases to the stomach and duodenum in our case.…”

A Case of Gastric Metastatic Melanoma 15 Years after the Initial Diagnosis of Cutaneous Melanoma

“…The clinical manifestations are usually nonspecific, and many patients are asymptomatic until the disease progresses further, which can delay the diagnosis or miss it entirely until autopsy [ 3 ]. Patients may present with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, gastrointestinal bleeding, weight loss, and possibly acute perforation [ 4 ]. If there is suspicion for metastasis to the GI tract, esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD), colonoscopy, and, if needed, a small bowel investigation with capsule endoscopy should be performed for direct visualization and biopsy should be obtained if a lesion is discovered.…”

Malignant Melanoma of the Stomach

“…It is known to metastasize to different organs with an unusual preference for the GI tract. Common sites in the GI tract include the small bowel (50%), large bowel (31%) and anorectum (25%) [ 2 ] . An autopsy series of 216 patients with advanced malignant melanoma at Roswell Park Memorial Institute suggested the following distribution of GI organ metastases: liver, 58.3%; peritoneum, 42.6%; pancreas, 37.5%; small bowel, 35.6%; spleen, 30.6%; colon, 28.2%; stomach, 22.7%; oral cavity and oesophagus, 9.3%; and biliary tract, 8.8% [ 3 ] .…”