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Updated: Jul 15, 2026
Injection of Syngeneic Murine Melanoma Cells to Determine Their Metastatic Potential in the Lungs
Published on: May 24, 2016
[Metastases of the melanoma to the intestine]
Leszek Kołodziejski1, Wojciech Lobaziewicz, Wojciech Wysocki
1Kliniki Chirurgii Onkologicznej Centrum Onkologii Instytut im. Marii Sklodowskiej-Curie oddział w Krakowie.
Abstract:
The cases of 4 patients with primary skin melanoma, who underwent resection of the small intestine due to the intestinal metastases, are presented. Two patients died as a result of metastases after intestinal resection; the other two have been alive for a year and 10 years without any symptoms of the disease. The presence of the melanoma metastases to the intestine can be suspected in patients with anaemia caused by bleeding into the lumen of an intestine, ileus, rapid weight loss or noticeable tumor in the abdomen. The resection of intestine with metastases should be chosen as a safe method, which allows good palliation; it also offers the chance for a longer life.
Insights
Intestinal metastases from primary skin melanoma are rare but can cause serious symptoms. Surgical resection of affected intestine offers palliative care and potential for longer survival in select patients.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Primary skin melanoma can metastasize to the small intestine, a rare but significant clinical presentation.
- Intestinal metastases present diagnostic challenges and can mimic other gastrointestinal pathologies.
Observation:
- This study presents four cases of patients with primary skin melanoma and small intestine metastases requiring surgical resection.
- Clinical suspicion for intestinal melanoma metastasis arises from symptoms like anemia, ileus, weight loss, or abdominal tumors.
Findings:
- Two patients died post-resection due to metastatic disease.
- The other two patients survived for one and ten years, respectively, remaining asymptomatic.
Implications:
- Surgical resection of intestinal metastases from melanoma is a viable palliative option.
- Resection may offer a chance for prolonged survival in carefully selected patients with metastatic melanoma to the small intestine.
