Primary intramedullary melanoma

Abstract

<jats:p>Primary intramedullary melanoma is a very rare tumor, most frequently occurring in the middle or lower thoracic spinal cord. The authors present a new case of primary cervical cord melanoma that developed in a 62-year-old man whose tumor was surgically treated and subsequently received radiation therapy. Clinical and histogenetic features of this neoplasm, results of chemo-, radio-, and immunotherapy are reported. Both “disembryogenetic” and “mesodermal” hypotheses on the origin of primary spinal melanoma are discussed.</jats:p>

Primary intramedullary malignant melanoma: can imaging lead to the correct diagnosis?

“…Oncogenesis could be dependent on cellular migration-related anomalies. 6 Additionally, primary CNS melanoma in atypical sites may originate from melanoblasts accompanying the pial sheaths of vascular bundles or from neuroectodermal cells with arrested migration during embryogenesis. 2,7 Primary CNS malignant melanomas are rare neoplasms, with an estimated incidence of 0.005 cases per 100,000 people.…”

“…4,22 However, other authors have reported favorable outcomes without adjuvant therapy, 20 and have even concluded that primary CNS malignant melanoma is not radiosensitive. 6 In conclusion, awareness of primary intramedullary malignant melanoma is important and this neoplasm needs to be included in the differential diagnosis of spinal cord tumors when appropriate. While imaging plays a major role in the evaluation of this tumor, MRI alone cannot determine the final diagnosis.…”

“…A hypothesis for development of primary intramedullary malignant melanoma suggests that a few neural crest cells fail to migrate during embryogenesis and they reside within the neural tube. 6 These cells are unable to establish normal signaling pathways with adjacent cells to mediate differentiation and maturation. Oncogenesis could be dependent on cellular migration-related anomalies.…”

“…4,22 However, other authors have reported favorable outcomes without adjuvant therapy, 20 and have even concluded that primary CNS malignant melanoma is not radiosensitive. 6…”