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Malignant melanoma metastatic to bone marrow.
Debdatta Basu1, Bhawana A Bhade, L H Ghotekar
1Department of Pathology, Jawaharlal Nehru Institute of Postgraduate Medical Education and Research, Pondicherry, India. ddbasu@satyam.net.in
Indian Journal of Pathology & Microbiology
|February 21, 2003
Summary
Bone marrow examination can detect malignant melanoma metastasis. In some cases, bone marrow is the first indicator of cancer, aiding early diagnosis of melanoma.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Hematology
Background:
- Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy are diagnostic tools for systemic malignancy in non-hematological cancers.
- Malignant melanoma can metastasize to bone marrow in a subset of patients.
Observation:
- Two cases of malignant melanoma with bone marrow metastasis at presentation are detailed.
- In one case, bone marrow examination first identified the malignancy, later diagnosed as anal melanoma.
- The second case involved widespread dissemination of tonsillar melanoma, including bone marrow.
Findings:
- Bone marrow metastasis is a potential presentation of malignant melanoma.
- The site of the primary melanoma (anal or tonsillar) varied in these cases.
- Bone marrow examination proved crucial for identifying metastatic melanoma in both instances.
Implications:
- Bone marrow evaluation should be considered in the staging of malignant melanoma.
- Early detection of bone marrow metastasis can guide treatment strategies.
- This highlights the importance of bone marrow biopsy in diagnosing obscure malignancies.