Primary Pleural Melanoma: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract

Primary pleural melanoma is an extremely rare neoplasm, and to the best of our knowledge, there have been only 8 case reports of this condition in the English literature. We herein report a rare case in which the cytological and immunocytochemical analyses of pleural fluid and ultrasonography (US)-guided biopsy of a pleural lesion were useful for the diagnosis primary pleural melanoma. This case highlights the importance of careful physical examinations, cytomorphologic and immunocytochemical analyses of pleural fluid, as well as the utility of US-guided biopsy of the pleural lesions in the diagnosis of primary pleural melanoma.

Malignant Melanoma Presenting as Spinal Cord and Pleural Lesions

“…Hydrocephalus has also been reported as spinal cord lesions that can disturb the cerebrospinal fluid circulation [ 18 ]. In the case of pleural melanomas, the main symptoms include dyspnea, chest pain, and cough [ 3 ].…”

“…However, the increase of FDG uptake is mild and in pleural benign diseases with SUV approximately equal to 1. FDG may be also used to help localize the site for biopsy and improve accuracy [ 3 ].…”

“…Other primary sites for melanoma are relatively uncommon. Primary spinal cord and primary pleural melanomas are extremely rare malignancies, with only 9 reported cases of primary pleural melanomas in the literature and a relatively small number of cases of primary spinal cord melanomas [ 3 , 4 ]. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first case of a melanoma presenting as a spinal cord and pleural lesion.…”

Outcomes for Malignant Pleural Effusions Because of Melanoma Treated With Indwelling Pleural Catheters

“…Two studies 14,16 which specifically looked at patients with metastatic melanoma and intrathoracic metastases found between 15% and 16% had pleural effusions but did not report on pleural fluid characteristics or clinical significance of the effusion. The majority of the remaining literature includes case reports of unusual presentations, 17,18 black effusions caused by melanoma 19,20,31–36 or primary pleural melanoma 37–40 . While there have been many case reports of black pleural effusions secondary to melanoma, the true prevalence of this rare entity remains unclear.…”

“…The majority of the remaining literature includes case reports of unusual presentations, 17,18 black effusions caused by melanoma 19,20,[31][32][33][34][35][36] or primary pleural melanoma. [37][38][39][40] While there have been many case reports of black pleural effusions secondary to melanoma, the true prevalence of this rare entity remains unclear. In our study, we reported 1 case of the 27 effusions which may estimate the prevalence to be around 4%.…”