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Published on: January 25, 2015
Metastatic ocular melanoma to the kidney 20 years after initial diagnosis
Brian M Levin1, Fouad I Boulos, S Duke Herrell
1Department of Urology, Vanderbilt University Medical Center, Nashville, Tennessee 37232-2765, USA. brian.m.levin@vanderbilt.edu
Abstract:
Metastatic tumors are the most common malignancies of the kidney. We report a rare case of isolated metastatic ocular melanoma to the kidney occurring 20 years after diagnosis. A 71-year-old man presented with gross hematuria. He had undergone left enucleation 20 years previously for ocular melanoma and had not required adjuvant therapy. A right upper pole mass was identified on computed tomography and was excised laparoscopically. Pathologic examination revealed metastatic melanoma. Metastatic melanoma to the kidney is rare. A high index of suspicion must be maintained in any patient with a renal mass and a history of a nonrenal malignancy.
Insights
Metastatic ocular melanoma rarely spreads to the kidney, even decades after initial diagnosis. This case highlights the importance of considering nonrenal malignancy history in patients with kidney masses.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Nephrology
- Ophthalmology
Background:
- Metastatic tumors are the most frequent kidney malignancies.
- Ocular melanoma is a rare primary eye cancer.
Observation:
- A 71-year-old man presented with gross hematuria.
- He had a history of ocular melanoma treated with enucleation 20 years prior.
- A renal mass was detected via computed tomography.
Findings:
- Laparoscopic excision of the renal mass was performed.
- Pathologic examination confirmed metastatic melanoma.
- This represents a rare instance of isolated kidney metastasis from ocular melanoma.
Implications:
- Metastatic melanoma to the kidney is exceptionally uncommon.
- A high index of suspicion is crucial for patients with renal masses and prior nonrenal malignancies.
- This case underscores the potential for late recurrence and metastasis in ocular melanoma.
