Clinical and imaging research in the diagnosis of anorectal melanoma with surgical outcome: a case report and literature review

Objective: This study aims to report the case of a 69-year-old female patient with a diagnosis of anorectal melanoma (AM) established by immunohistochemistry. Methods: Clinical case report, a descriptive and qualitative study. Results: The patient had a nodular and ulcerative lesion in the anal region, the imaging exams revealed an expansive lesion that affected the rectum and the vaginal wall. The chosen course of treatment was initial surgical intervention, the surgery and postoperative course progressed without complications, and the anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of invasive malignant melanoma of the distal rectum of anorectal transition. The anatomopathological examination confirmed the diagnosis of invasive malignant melanoma located in the distal rectum of the anorectal transition. Immunohistochemistry analysis showed infiltrative melanoma with microsatellites, as well as peri and intratumoral lymphocytic infiltrate, angiolymphatic invasion, and perineural invasion. The surgical resection margins, ovaries, posterior vaginal wall, and parametrium showed no signs of neoplastic involvement. Following the surgery, the patient began immunotherapy, which she is still undergoing. Conclusions: The survival rate of AM can be improved through various diagnostic and therapeutic modalities. However, further exploration of this topic through clinical studies is necessary to enhance both diagnosis and treatment. (AU)

Ganglio centinela positivo en melanoma: factores predictivos y resultados del vaciamiento ganglionar / Positive sentinel lymph node in melanoma: predictive factors and results of completion lymph node dissection

RESUMEN Antecedentes: la biopsia del ganglio centinela (GC) es la técnica aceptada para determinar el pronóstico en estadios iniciales de melanoma cutáneo. La ventaja del vaciamiento ganglionar (VG) cuando el GC resulta positivo ha sido recientemente cuestionada. Objetivo: describir los porcentajes y factores asociados a metástasis en el GC, y en los ganglios no centinela (GnC) en los VG de pacientes con GC positivo. Material y métodos: se llevó a cabo un estudio retrospectivo de los registros clínicos y patológicos de 139 pacientes operados por melanoma cutáneo entre enero de 2012 y diciembre de 2019. Resultados: a 96 (69%) pacientes se les realizó biopsia de GC. El promedio de edad fue 61,7 años ± 17,5 (19-93); 53 (55,2%) fueron hombres. La lesión primaria estuvo ubicada en: extremidades 47 (49%), tronco 39 (40,6%), cabeza y cuello 10 (10,4%). El promedio de espesor de Breslow fue 5,01 mm (1,05- 50 mm) y se encontró ulceración en 35 casos (36,4%). El GC fue identificado en todas las oportunidades y en 39 (40,6%) fue positivo. Hubo asociación con el espesor ≥ 3 mm (p = 0,000017) y con la ulceración (p = 0,0011). A los pacientes con GC positivo se les efectuó el VG del territorio afectado: 23 axilar, 10 inguinal y 6 cervical. Veintitrés (59%) presentaron metástasis en GnC. Se asoció con el espesor (p = 0,022) y la ulceración (p = 0,019). Conclusión: existió un alto porcentaje de GnC positivos en la población estudiada, vinculado al espesor y la ulceración. Estas características, así como la dificultad de un estricto seguimiento, inducen a no abandonar el VG en pacientes con GC positivo.

ABSTRACT Background: Sentinel lymph node (SLN) biopsy is the technique accepted to determine the prognosis of early cutaneous melanomas. The advantage of lymph node dissection (LND) when SLN biopsy is positive has recently been questioned. Objective: The aim of this study is to describe the percentages and factors associated with SLN and non-sentinel node (NSN) metastases in LNDs of SLN-positive patients. Material and methods: The clinical records and pathology reports of 139 patients undergoing surgery for cutaneous melanoma between January 2012 and December 2019 were retrospectively reviewed. Results: Ninety-six (69%) patients underwent SLN biopsy. Mean age was 61.7 ± 17.5 years (19-93) and 53 (55.2%) were men. The primary lesion was located in the extremities in 47 (49%) cases, in the trunk in 39 (40.6%), and in the head and neck in 10 (10.4%). Mean Breslow thickness was 5.01 mm (1.05-50 mm) and ulceration was found in 35 cases (36.4%). The SLN was identified in all the cases and was positive in 39 (40.6%). There was an association with thickness ≥ 3 mm (p = 0.000017) and ulceration (p = 0.0011). Those patients with positive SLN biopsy underwent LND of the territory involved: axillary in 23, inguinal in 10 and cervical in 6. Twenty-three (59%) presented NSLN metastases and were associated with thickness (p = 0.022) and ulceration (p = 0.019). Conclusion: There was a high percentage of positive NSLN in the population studied which was associated with thickness and ulceration. These characteristics and the difficulty to achieve strict follow-up are the reasons for completion LND in SLN-positive patients.

Diagnostic and prognostic significance of long noncoding RNA LINC00173 in patients with melanoma

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: A growing volume of literature has suggested long noncoding RNAs (lncRNAs) as important players in tumor progression. In this study, we aimed to investigate the expression and prognostic value of lncRNA LINC00173 (LINC00173) in melanoma. METHODS: LINC00173 expression was measured in 163 paired cancerous and noncancerous specimen samples by real-time polymerase chain reaction. The correlations between LINC00173 expression with clinicopathological characteristics and prognosis were analyzed by chi-square test, log-rank test, and multivariate survival analysis. Receiver-operating characteristic curves were used for the assessment of the diagnostic value of LINC00173 for melanoma patients. RESULTS: The expression level of LINC00173 in melanoma specimens was distinctly higher than that in adjacent non-neoplasm specimens (p<0.01). Besides, LINC00173 was expressed more frequently in patients with advanced melanoma than in patients with early melanoma. Multivariate assays confirmed that LINC00173 expression level was an independent prognostic predictor of melanoma patients (p<0.05). CONCLUSION: Our data indicated that LINC00173 expression could serve as an unfavorable prognostic biomarker for melanoma patients.

Immunohistochemical Markers in the Differential Diagnosis of Melanoma and Nevus in Humans

SUMMARY: Immunohistochemistry allows in situ detection of cell and extracellular components through specific antibodies. The objective was to compare the immunohistochemical expression patterns of the S-100, HMB-45 and MART-1 proteins for differential diagnosis of malignant melanoma and melanocytic nevus in human skin biopsies. Thirty-nine biopsies of human tissue were used. They were divided into two groups: 19 in malignant melanoma and 20 in melanocytic nevi. Next, the samples were fixed with paraformaldehyde and processed following the protocol for inclusion. Then, immunohistochemical staining was performed. Finally, the histological and qualitative analysis of the samples was carried out. S-100, HMB-45, and MART-1 markers showed positive immunoreaction in melanoma biopsies. HMB-45 marker was generally present with weaker expression than S-100 and MART-1 in melanocytic nevus biopsies. No expression pattern was observed which specifically associates one or more markers with some types of histopathological diagnosis. Immunohistochemistry is fundamental in differential diagnosis of melanomas and melanocytic nevi. However, there is no antibody or set of antibodies which allows unequivocal diagnosis between melanoma and nevus. It is therefore necessary to analyze with care the expression pattern and location of the lesion using standard morphological characteristics.

RESUMEN: La inmunohistoquímica permite la detección in situ de componentes celulares y extracelulares a través de anticuerpos específicos. El objetivo de nuestro estudio fue comparar los patrones de expresión inmunohistoquímica de las proteínas S-100, HMB-45 y MART-1 para el diagnóstico diferencial de melanoma maligno y nevo melanocítico en biopsias de piel humana. Se utilizaron treinta y nueve biopsias de tejido humano, las que fueron divididas en dos grupos: 19 en melanoma maligno y 20 en nevos melanocíticos. A continuación, las muestras se fijaron con paraformaldehído y se procesaron siguiendo el protocolo convencional para su inclusión. Luego, se realizó la tinción inmunohistoquímica. Finalmente, se realizó el análisis histológico y cualitativo de las muestras. Los marcadores S-100, HMB- 45 y MART-1 mostraron inmunorreacción positiva en biopsias de melanoma. El marcador HMB-45 estuvo generalmente presente con una expresión más débil que S-100 y MART-1 en biopsias de nevo melanocítico. No se observó ningún patrón de expresión que asocie específicamente uno o más marcadores con algunos tipos de diagnóstico histopatológico. La inmunohistoquímica es fundamental en el diagnóstico diferencial de melanomas y nevos melanocíticos. Sin embargo, no existe ningún anticuerpo o panel de anticuerpos que permita un diagnóstico inequívoco entre el melanoma y el nevo. Por tanto, es necesario analizar con cuidado el patrón de expresión y la localización de la lesión utilizando características morfológicas estándar.

Total body mapping in the follow-up of melanocytic lesions: recommendations of the Brazilian Society of Dermatology

Abstract Total body mapping comprises photographic documentation of the entire body surface followed by digital dermatoscopy of selected melanocytic lesions, aiming to compare their evolution over time and identify new lesions. As this is an exam based on comparative analysis of serial dermoscopic body images, standardization of the technique for performing total body mapping is essential. Prepared by specialists from the Brazilian Society of Dermatology, using the modified Delphi method, this article provides recommendations for carrying out total body mapping in Brazil, regarding its indications, technical aspects, and the issuing of the report.

Recurrence of melanoma in the scar after excised Spitz nevus in a 17-year-old child

Abstract Melanoma in childhood is rare and its diagnosis is more difficult than in adults, as it often presents histologic features overlapping with the Spitz nevus. The authors report the case of a 17-year old boy who was first diagnosed with Spitz nevus, however, the final diagnosis made after the excision of the tumor arising in the scar was changed to melanoma. The case in this present study emphasizes the importance of the differential diagnosis of skin tumors in young patients.

Melanoma maligno primario de pulmón / Primary malignant lung melanoma

Introducción: El melanoma maligno es un tumor de etiología multifactorial, cuando afecta al sistema respiratorio su origen es casi siempre metastásico, y como tumor primario es muy infrecuente, constituye el 0,07 por ciento de los tumores pulmonares malignos. Objetivo: Presentar un caso clínico con diagnóstico de melanoma maligno primario de pulmón. Presentación del caso: Se presenta el caso de una mujer de 64 años de edad, exfumadora, sin antecedentes de melanoma, que presenta tos seca asociada a disnea, los esfuerzos físicos y dolor torácico. Además de astenia y pérdida de peso. Se le realizó biopsia pulmonar mediante broncoscopia y se le diagnosticó melanoma. Conclusiones: El melanoma primario pulmonar es uno de los más raros del tipo de melanoma visceral, es una entidad neumológica infrecuente y el diagnóstico preciso requiere una investigación detallada y el cumplimiento de criterios clínicos y anatomopatológicos específicos(AU)

Introduction: Malignant melanoma is a tumor of multifactorial etiology, when it affects the respiratory system its origin is almost always metastatic, and as a primary tumor it is very infrequent, it constitutes 0.07 por ciento of malignant lung tumors. Objective: To report a clinical case with a diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the lung. Case report: We report the case of a 64-year-old woman, former smoker, with no history of melanoma, who had dry cough associated with dyspnea with physical exertion and chest pain. In addition to asthenia and weight loss, she had a lung biopsy by bronchoscopy and was diagnosed with melanoma. Conclusions: Primary pulmonary melanoma is one of the rarest of the visceral melanoma type, this is an infrequent pneumological entity and the precise diagnosis requires detailed investigation and the fulfillment of specific clinical and pathological criteria(AU)

Tumores cutáneos de colisión / Cutaneous collision tumors

Los tumores de colisión consisten en neoplasias compuestas por dos poblaciones celulares distintas que mantienen una clara diferenciación de sus bordes y que se encuentran adyacentes una de otra en la misma muestra histopatológica. Esta asociación puede corresponder a dos tumores malignos, dos benignos o uno maligno y uno benigno. Son infrecuentes y, en ocasiones, representan un desafío clínico para la detección correcta de ambas neoplasias. Se presenan los casos de tres pacientes con tumores cutáneos de colisión, de estirpe melanocítica combinada con queratinocítica; en dos de ellos ambas neoplasias fueron malignas y en uno, se asociaron una lesión maligna y una benigna.

Collision tumors consist of neoplasms composed of two different cell populations that maintain a clear differentiation of their borders, and that are adjacent to each other in the same histopathological sample. This association can correspond to two malignant tumors, two benign, or one malignant and one benign. They are infrequent and, at times, represent a clinical challenge for the correct detection of both neoplasms. Three cases of cutaneous collision tumors of a melanocytic line combined with a keratinocytic line are presented, two of them in which both neoplasms were malignant and one that associated a malignant and a benign lesion.

Melanoma subungueal: un reto diagnóstico para los médicos / Subungual melanoma: a diagnostic challenge for doctors

El melanoma subungueal es un subgrupo del melanoma acral lentiginoso. Con frecuencia se diagnostica en etapa avanzada, dada la escasez de síntomas; de ahí que la evaluación y el tratamiento oportuno mejoran el pronóstico. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 44 años de edad, que acude a consulta de Ortopedia con melanoniquia de tres meses de evolución. Había sido tratado en la atención primaria de salud por un hematoma secundario a un trauma directo sobre la falange distal del primer artejo del pie izquierdo. Fue seguido por consulta externa de Ortopedia y, al no experimentar una evolución adecuada, fue evaluado por la Comisión Provincial de Tumores Periféricos. Se le realizó una biopsia por punch (sacabocado), que arrojó el resultado de melanoma subungueal. Se realizó la amputación del primer artejo y del proximal del primer metatarsiano, una vez verificada la no existencia de lesiones metastásicas, con excelente resultado estético y funcional, sin mostrar recidiva en su seguimiento, a dos años de su intervención(AU)

Subungual melanoma is a subgroup of lentiginous acral melanoma. It is often diagnosed in an advanced stage by a shortage of symptoms, so timely evaluation and treatment improve prognosis. This is the case of a 44-year-old patient who goes to orthopedics with melanonichia 3 months of evolution. He had been treated for a bruise secondary to direct trauma to the distal phalanx of the first left foot ailre in primary health care. It was followed by external orthopedic consultation and by not following an adequate evolution was evaluated by the provincial commission of peripheral tumors. He was given a punch biopsy resulting in a subungual melanoma. The amputation of the first artejo and proximal first metatarsal was carried out, once verified the non-existence of metastatic lesions, with excellent aesthetic and functional result, without showing relapse in its follow-up to two years(AU)

Pembrolizumab en primera línea para melanoma avanzando, metastásico o irresecable, sin mutacion BRAF / First-line pembrolizumab for advancing, metastatic or unresectable melanoma, without BRAF mutation

El presente informe es producto del trabajo colaborativo de la Comisión Nacional de Evaluación de Tecnologías de Salud (CONETEC), dependiente del Ministerio de Salud de la Nación y creada por RM N° 623/2018. La CONETEC realiza evaluaciones y emite recomendaciones a la autoridad sanitaria sobre la incorporación, forma de uso, financiamiento y políticas de cobertura de las tecnologías sanitarias desde una perspectiva global del sistema de salud argentino. En sus evaluaciones y recomendaciones, la CONETEC tiene en cuenta criterios de calidad, seguridad, efectividad, eficiencia y equidad, evaluados bajo dimensiones éticas, médicas, económicas y sociales. Sus resultados son consensuados mediante discusiones públicas y ponderados a través de un marco de valor explícito, con la participación de todos los actores involucrados en el proceso de toma de decisiones en salud. Los informes y recomendaciones de esta comisión surgen de este proceso público, transparente y colaborativo, siendo de libre consulta y acceso para toda la sociedad

Melanomas de diámetro pequeño: papel de la dermatoscopia y seguimiento con dermatoscopia digital / Small-diameter melanomas: role of dermoscopy and digital dermoscopy follow-up

Antecedentes: El reconocimiento de los melanomas de diámetro pequeño (MDP) a menudo plantea un desafío. Objetivos: Analizar el papel de la dermatoscopia y el seguimiento con dermatoscopia digital en el diagnóstico de los MDP. Diseño: Análisis retrospectivo, observacional, descriptivo, de una serie de 50 MDP diagnosticados entre 2015 y 2019. Resultados: De los MDP, 9 fueron motivo de consulta del paciente (MMC), 30 se detectaron durante el control rutinario de nevos (MMCR) y 11 se diagnosticaron por los cambios observados durante el seguimiento con dermatoscopia digital (MMDD). Cerca del 45% de los MMC fueron clasificados correctamente como lesiones malignas según la "regla ABCD de dermatoscopia"; esto se observó solo en el 20% de los MMCR y en ninguno de los MMDD. El algoritmo "caos y pistas" condujo a la extirpación en casi el 90% de los MMC, el 60% de los MMCR y el 50% de los MMDD. Los porcentajes de melanoma in situ fueron: 55% entre los MMC, 73,3% entre los MMCR y 72,9% entre los MMDD. En los melanomas invasores, el grosor de Breslow medio fue de 0,62 mm en el grupo MMC, de 0,5 mm en el MMCR y de 0,4 mm en el MMDD. Conclusiones: El uso rutinario de la dermatoscopia permite la detección de melanomas con bajo índice de sospecha que los pacientes podrían desconocer. Mediante el seguimiento digital es posible la detección de los melanomas incipientes que carecen no solo de criterios clínicos, sino también dermatoscópicos de malignidad.

Background: Recognition of small-diameter melanomas (SDM) is often challenging. Objective: To analyze the role of dermoscopy and follow-up with digital dermoscopy in the diagnosis of SDM. Design: Retrospective, observational, descriptive analysis of a series of 50 SDM diagnosed between 2015 and 2019. Results: Among the SMD, 9 cases were the patients' reason for consultation (MMC), 30 were detected during routine nevi control (MMCR) and 11 were diagnosed due to changes observed during followup with digital dermoscopy (MMDD). Near 45% of the MMC were correctly classified as malignant lesions according to the "ABCD rule of dermoscopy"; this was observed only in 20% of the MMCR and in none of the MMDD. The "chaos and clues" algorithm led to excision in almost 90% of MMC, 60% of MMCR, and 50% of MMDD. The percentages of in situ melanoma were: 55% in the MMC, 73.3% in the MMCR and 72.9% in the MMDD. Among invasive melanomas, mean Breslow thickness was 0.62 mm in the MMC group, 0.5 mm in the MMCR, and 0.4 mm in the MMDD. Conclusions: The routine use of dermoscopy allows for the detection of melanomas with a low index of suspicion that patients may not be aware of. The use of digital follow-up enables the detection of incipient melanomas that lack not only clinical but also dermoscopic criteria of malignancy.

Ear melanoma: a four-case series

Abstract External ear melanoma is rare, and early diagnosis and treatment are paramount for the patient's survival. Four clinical cases are reported, emphasizing the importance of the routine clinical examination of the ears in the dermatological consultation. The study included male and female patients, aged 60 to 81 years old, with melanocytic lesions in the outer ear, evaluated with detailed physical and dermoscopic examination, leading to the identification of lesions suggestive of melanoma. The cases were treated surgically with excision of the lesion, and the diagnoses were confirmed by histopathological study. The therapeutic approach was instituted early as most cases were diagnosed at an early stage, which directly impacted global survival.

Thermography in clinical ophthalmic oncology / Termografia em oncologia oftalmológica clínica

ABSTRACT Purpose: The aim of this study was to present our own experience with the use of thermography as a complementary method for the initial diagnosis and differentiation of intraocular tumors, as well as for the evaluation of the efficacy of treatment of intraocular melanomas. Methods: The study group comprised 37 patients with intraocular tumors, including 9 with uveal melanoma, 8 with uveal melanoma after I125 brachytherapy, 12 with a focal metastasis to the uvea, and 8 with retinal capillary hemangioblastoma. A FLIR T640 camera was used to capture images in the central point of the cornea, eye area, and orbital cavity area. Results: Eyes with uveal melanoma had higher temperature compared with the fellow normal eye of the patient in the range of all measured parameters in the regions of interest. In the group of patients with melanoma after unsuccessful brachytherapy, higher temperature was observed at the central point of the cornea. In patients with tumor regression, all measured parameters were lower in the affected eye. We observed lower tempe­ratures in the range of all tested parameters and areas in eyes with choroidal metastases. Eyes with diagnosed intraocular hemangioblastoma were characterized by higher parameters for the regions of interest versus eyes without this pathology. Conclusions: A thermographic examination of the eye can be used as an additional first-line diagnostic tool for the differentiation of intraocular tumors. Thermography can be a helpful tool in monitoring the treatment outcome in patients with intraocular melanoma.

RESUMO Objetivo: O objetivo deste estudo foi de apresentar a nossa experiência no uso da termografia como método complementar para o diagnóstico inicial e a diferenciação de tumores intraoculares, bem como para a avaliação da eficácia do tratamento de melanomas intraoculares. Métodos: O grupo estudado compunha-se de 37 pacientes com tumores intraoculares, sendo 9 com melanoma uveal, 8 com melanoma uveal após braquiterapia com I125, 12 com metástases focais na úvea e 8 com hemangioblastoma capilar retiniano. As imagens do ponto central da córnea, da área do olho e da área da cavidade orbital foram obtidas com uma câmera FLIR T640. Resultados: Os olhos dos pacientes com melanoma uveal tinham temperaturas mais elevadas do que as dos olhos normais dos mesmos, em toda a faixa dos parâmetros medidos nas regiões de interesse. No grupo de pacientes com melanoma após braquiterapia mal sucedida, encontrámos temperaturas maiores no ponto central da córnea. Nos pacientes com regressão do tumor, todos os parâmetros medidos foram menores no olho acometido. Encontrámos temperaturas mais baixas em toda a faixa dos parâmetros testados e das áreas medidas nos olhos com metástases na coroide. Os olhos com hemangioblastoma intraocular diagnosticado caracterizaram-se por parâmetros mais elevados nas regiões de interesse, em comparação com olhos sem essa patologia. Conclusões: O exame termográfico do olho pode usar-se como ferramenta de diagnóstico adicional de triagem na diferenciação de tumores intraoculares. A termografia pode ser uma ferramenta útil no acompanhamento do des­fe­cho do tratamento em pacientes com melanoma intraocular.

Sítio Metastático Incomum - Metástases Peritoneais em Melanoma Maligno: Relato de Caso / Unusual Metastatic Site - Peritoneal Metastasis in Malignant Melanoma: Case Report / Sitio Metastásico Raro - Metástasis Peritoneales en Melanoma Maligno: Reporte de Caso

Introdução: O melanoma cutâneo é um tumor com grande capacidade de metastização. Um dos quadros possíveis, mas bastante raro, é quando a metástase se aloja em peritônio (carcinomatose peritoneal). Relato do caso: Paciente feminina, 61 anos, encaminhada por massa inguinal esquerda suspeita e lesão hipercrômica de 2 cm, com área de regressão em membro inferior esquerdo. A paciente foi submetida à linfadenectomia inguinal esquerda e ressecção da lesão de pele, que evidenciou melanoma maligno cutâneo extensivo superficial invasor, de espessura de Breslow 1,2 mm, e nível de Clark II, bem como metástase linfonodal. O tratamento adjuvante incluiu radioterapia e quimioterapia. Durante follow-up, oito meses depois, ultrassonografia e tomografia computadorizada de abdome evidenciaram imagem nodular sólida hipoecoica, heterogênea e bosselada, mal definida e mal delimitada em projeção para-aórtica à esquerda, com 12,7x6,7x4,8 cm. Em laparotomia exploradora, encontrou-se massa volumosa retroperitoneal em flanco esquerdo, com envolvimento do ângulo de Treitz e presença de carcinomatose peritoneal. O laudo anatomopatológico evidenciou neoplasia maligna pouco diferenciada epitelioide infiltrativa, compatível com história clínica de melanoma. A paciente evoluiu a óbito após consulta com oncologia clínica. Conclusão:Existem poucos casos de metástase peritoneal de melanoma relatados na literatura. Contudo, deve-se levar em consideração sua possibilidade de ocorrência e as opções terapêuticas disponíveis, além de também compreender seu impacto no prognóstico do paciente. Apesar de rara, a carcinomatose peritoneal deve ser considerada quando pacientes com histórico pessoal de melanoma apresentarem queixas abdominais inespecíficas, como a paciente do caso relatado.

Introduction: Cutaneous melanoma is a tumor with great capacity for metastasis. One of the possible but quite rare scenarios is when the metastasis is lodged in the peritoneum (peritoneal carcinomatosis). Case report:61-year-old female patient, referred by a suspected left inguinal mass and 2 cm hyperchromic lesion, with regression area in the left lower limb. The patient underwent left inguinal lymphadenectomy and resection of the skin lesion, which revealed invasive extensive superficial cutaneous malignant melanoma, Breslow depth 1.2 mm and Clark II level, as well as lymph node metastasis. Adjuvant treatment included radiotherapy and chemotherapy. During follow-up, 8 months later, abdominal ultrasound and computed tomography showed hypoechoic, heterogeneous, and beveled solid nodular image, poorly defined and delimited in left para-aortic projection, with 12.7x6.7x4.8 cm. In exploratory laparotomy, a large retroperitoneal mass was found on the left flank, involving the Treitz angle, and revealed the presence of peritoneal carcinomatosis. The anatomopathological report showed a poorly differentiated malignant infiltrative epithelioid neoplasm, compatible with the clinical history of melanoma. The patient died after consultation with clinical oncology. Conclusion: There are few cases of peritoneal metastasis of melanoma reported in the literature. However, its possibility of occurrence and the therapeutic options available must be taken into account, in addition to understanding its impact on the patient's prognosis. Although rare, peritoneal carcinomatosis should be considered when patients with a personal history of melanoma have non-specific abdominal complaints, such as the patient in the case reported.

Introducción: El melanoma cutáneo es un tumor con gran capacidad de metástasis. Una de las situaciones posibles, pero bastante rara, es cuando la metástasis se aloja en el peritoneo. Relato del caso: paciente femenina de 61 años, remitida por sospecha de masa inguinal izquierda y lesión hipercrómica de 2 cm, con área de regresión, en miembro inferior izquierdo. La paciente fue sometida a linfadenectomía inguinal izquierda y resección de la lesión cutánea, que demonstró melanoma maligno cutáneo superficial extenso invasivo, Breslow 1,2 mm y nivel de Clark II, así como metástasis ganglionares. El tratamiento adyuvante incluyó radioterapia y quimioterapia. Durante el seguimiento, 8 meses después, la ecografía y la tomografía computarizada de abdomen mostraron una imagen nodular sólida hipoecoica, heterogénea y biselada, mal definida y delimitada en proyección para-aórtica izquierda, con 12,7x6,7x4,8 cm. En la laparotomía exploradora se encontró una gran masa retroperitoneal en el flanco izquierdo, involucrando el ángulo de Treitz y presencia de carcinomatosis peritoneal. El informe anatomopatológico mostró una neoplasia epitelioide infiltrativa maligna mal diferenciada, compatible con la historia clínica de melanoma. El paciente falleció tras consulta con oncología clínica. Conclusión: Hay pocos casos de metástasis peritoneal de melanoma reportados en la literatura. Sin embargo, se debe tener en cuenta su posibilidad de ocurrencia y las opciones terapéuticas disponibles, además de comprender su impacto en el pronóstico del paciente. Aunque es poco común, la carcinomatosis peritoneal debe considerarse cuando los pacientes con antecedentes personales de melanoma tienen molestias abdominales inespecíficas, como la paciente del caso.

Cáncer de piel: melanoma. Revisión de la literatura / Skin cancer: melanoma. Literature review

Skin cancer is usually classified into melanoma (SCM) and non-melanoma (SCNM), with different cell origins; being the SCM responsible for the highest mortality. In Chile, an incidence (2008) of 434 new cases is estimated, obtaining a standardized rate of 2.2 cases per 100,000 habitants. There are multiple associated risk factors, the main ones being exposure to UV radiation and sunburn. The strategies to prevent this pathology fall on these same factors. The clinical evaluation of the lesions with ABCD mnemonics added to the use of dermoscopy increases the diagnostic sensitivity and specificity; however, the definitive confirmation is through biopsy, which must include the necessary parameters to define prognosis of disease. The definitive treatment is Surgical. There are alternatives such as the use of the sentinel lymph node to define lymph node dissections. Regarding systemic therapies, the use of immunotherapy has shown results that improve survival in these patients.

Nevus azul celular con satelitosis y velo azul blanquecino simulando un melanoma, a propósito de un caso / Cellular blue nevus with satellitosis and blue veil whitish simulating a melanoma, purpose of a case

Los nevi azules son proliferaciones melanocíticas dendríticas benignas a nivel dérmico, congénitos o adquiridos, debido a un defecto migratorio embrionario de melanocitos a partir de la cresta neural. Se manifiestan clásicamente como una pápula, nódulo o placa de color azul o azul-gris. Muchos subtipos histológicos se han descrito, siendo los más comunes el nevus azul común, nevus azul celular y nevus azul combinado. Las formas esporádicas incluyen al nevus azul lineal, eruptivo, agminado y con satelitosis. La dermatoscopía característica muestra un patrón de pigmentación homogéneo monocromático azul o azul-grisáceo, con ausencia de otras estructuras. Sin embargo, se han descrito también patrones de pigmentación dicromáticos y multicromáticos, además de estructuras tales como red de pigmento, puntos, glóbulos, proyecciones radiadas, pseudópodos, áreas cicatriciales blanquecinas, patrón vascular y rosetas. El diagnóstico diferencial de los nevi azules incluye lesiones melanocíticas y no melanocíticas, benignas y malignas, destacando entre ellas el melanoma. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de sexo masculino de 30 años, portador de un nevus azul celular con cambios de rápida evolución, con desarrollo de lesiones satélites y un aspecto dermatoscópico sugerente de malignidad, simulando un melanoma.

Blue nevi are benign, congenital, or acquired, dermal dendritic melanocytic proliferations due to an embryonic migratory defect of melanocytes starting from the neural crest. They classically manifest as a blue or blue-gray papule, nodule, or plaque. Many histological subtypes have been described, including common blue nevus, cellular blue nevus and combined blue nevus. Sporadic forms include linear blue nevus, eruptive, agminate and with satellitosis. Characteristic dermoscopy shows a homogeneous monochromatic blue or steel-blue pigmentation pattern, with the absence of other structures. However, dichromatic and multichromatic pigmentation patterns have also been described, in addition to structures such as pigment network, dots, globules, streaks, pseudopods, whitish scar areas, vascular pattern and rosettes. Differential diagnosis of blue nevi includes melanocytic and non-melanocytic, benign and malignant lesions, most notably melanoma. The case of a 30-year-old male patient is presented, with a cellular blue nevus with rapidly evolving changes, with development of satellite lesions and a dermoscopic appearance suggestive of malignancy, mimicking melanoma.

Resección laparoscópica de metástasis intestinales de melanoma maligno / Laparoscopic resection of malignant melanoma intestinal metastasis

Resumen Objetivos: El melanoma cutáneo presenta un alto potencial metastásico y constituye la fuente extraabdominal más frecuente de lesión del intestino delgado. El diagnóstico de metástasis gastrointestinales es a menudo una expresión de enfermedad avanzada, con una supervivencia media de entre 6 y 9 meses. Materiales y Método: Presentamos el caso de un paciente varón de 63 años diagnosticado de melanoma cutáneo que acudió a urgencias por dolor abdominal y estreñimiento. Se realizó una TC abdominal donde se informó de la existencia de 2 lesiones metastásicas a nivel de intestino delgado que condicionaban oclusión intestinal. Resultados: El paciente fue intervenido quirúrgicamente bajo abordaje laparoscópico con resección de los dos segmentos intestinales afectos y anastomosis intracorpórea. El informe histopatológico confirmó que se trataban de metástasis de melanoma. Discusión: La oclusión intestinal por metástasis de melanoma maligno es muy infrecuente. La cirugía es el tratamiento de elección en pacientes con metástasis intestinales de melanoma. El tratamiento quirúrgico puede mejorar el pronóstico y estaría indicado casos de metástasis únicas o pacientes sintomáticos con intención paliativa. El abordaje mínimamente invasivo ofrece resultados oncológicos similares a la laparotomía.

Aim: Cutaneous melanoma has a high metastatic potential, being the most frequent extra-abdominal source of small bowel metastasis. The diagnosis of gastrointestinal metastases is often an expression of advanced disease, with an average survival of 6-9 months. Materials and Method: We herein present the case of a 63-year-old male patient diagnosed with cutaneous melanoma who arrived to the emergency department complaining of abdominal pain and constipation. An abdominal CT scan was performed, it revealed two metastatic lesions in the small bowel which marked the mechanical obstruction. Results: Patient underwent a laparoscopy and both involved segments were removed. Pathology exam confirmed the diagnosis of melanoma metastases. Discussion: Surgery excision is the treatment of choice in patients with small bowel metastases from melanoma. Surgical management can improve the prognosis and it would be indicated in cases of single metastases or symptomatic patients with a palliative intention. Minimally invasive approach provides similar oncological results as conventional laparotomy. Small bowel obstruction due to metastases of malignant melanoma is extremely rare.

Melanoma desmoplásico mixto / Mixed desmoplastic melanoma

El melanoma desmoplásico es una variedad infrecuente de melanoma que se distingue por su presentación clínico-patológica y su comportamiento biológico. El diagnóstico temprano es un desafío por su presentación clínica variable, con predominio del componente dérmico y la frecuente ausencia de pigmento. En la histología se lo divide en puro y mixto y esta clasificación tiene importantes implicancias pronósticas. El espesor de Breslow promedio al momento del diagnóstico es mayor que en otras variantes de melanoma, sin embargo, la tendencia a generar metástasis ganglionares es menor.

Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare presentation of melanoma with a different clinical behavior compared to other histological variants. Its diagnosis in early stages is a challenge due to its variable clinical presentation, with a predominant dermal component and the frequent absence of pigment. Its histology is divided into pure and mixed type, and this classification has important prognostic implications. The average Breslow thickness at diagnosis is higher than in other melanoma variants. However, the tendency to lymph node metastasis is low.