Nodular melanoma in a 53-year-old male with glioblastoma multiforme: A rare case report

@#Although melanoma only accounts for 1% of skin cancers, it is responsible for most skin cancer deaths. Glioblastoma multiforme, a high-grade astrocytoma, is the most aggressive and devastating primary brain tumor. These two diseases remain to be the biggest therapeutic challenge in both specialties of dermatology and neuro-oncology. A 53-year-old Filipino male who presented with a 2-year history of generalized dark brown and black patches on the body developed weakness and numbness of the left extremities. Biopsy and immunohistochemical staining of the skin revealed nodular melanoma with adjacent regressing melanoma. Biopsy of the intracranial mass showed glioblastoma multiforme. One month after the partial excision of the intracranial mass, the patient expired due to brain herniation. Nodular melanoma and glioblastoma multiforme may occur concomitantly in a patient. A review of the literature suggests a shared genetic predisposition. Its existence carries a poor prognosis and requires early detection to start aggressive treatment.

A case of a 62-year-old male with Actinomycetoma successfully treated using combined medical and surgical therapy

INTRODUCTION@#Actinomycetoma is a neglected infectious disease that presents with a triad of subcutaneous mass, with sinus formation and seropurulent discharge containing grains. This causes severe functional disability to patients if not treated early and properly.@*CASE REPORT@#We report a case of a 62-year-old adult Filipino farmer diagnosed with actinomycetoma of the left foot. For 8 years, the patient medicated with several antibiotic therapies affording minimal improvement of symptoms. Hence, surgical intervention with combination antimicrobial therapy was done which provided resolution of symptoms, improving the quality of life of the patient.@*CONCLUSION@#Treatment of actinomycetoma must be individualized among patients. Although oral antibiotics became the standard of treatment, combining surgical treatment with oral medications may be considered to ensure effective management of the disease.