[Diagnosis of intestinal metastases from malignant melanoma]

The small bowel harbors metastases of malignant melanoma in 5 % to 72 %, dependent on tumor stage and evidence of intestinal blood loss. Capsule endoscopy is sensitive in detecting small bowel metastasis. Computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and PET-CT demonstrate extraintestinal intraabdominal metastases. Melanoma patients with signs of intestinal blood loss should be endoscopically investigated, including small bowel endoscopy. Selected patients in advanced tumor stage should also undergo small bowel endoscopy to plan a treatment strategy. A resection of intestinal metastases can improve the prognosis, if all metastases are removed.