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Updated: May 15, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Malignant melanoma rather than malignant cutaneous melanoma?
Stefano F Crinò1, Giuseppe Scalisi, Socrate Pallio
1Digestive Endoscopy Unit, University Hospital, Messina 98100, Italy. stefanocrino@hotmail.com
European Journal of Gastroenterology & Hepatology
|January 18, 2013
Summary
Metastatic melanoma can affect the entire gastrointestinal tract. Capsule endoscopy is an effective tool for diagnosing small bowel involvement in melanoma patients.
Area of Science:
- Gastroenterology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Cutaneous melanoma is a significant public health concern.
- Metastatic melanoma can present with diverse clinical manifestations.
- Gastrointestinal involvement in melanoma requires thorough investigation.
Observation:
- An 84-year-old woman with resected cutaneous melanoma presented with asthenia, weight loss, and severe anemia.
- Esophagogastroduodenoscopy revealed pigmented submucosal tumors with ulcerations in the stomach and duodenum.
- Histopathology confirmed metastatic melanoma with melanin-containing cells.
Findings:
- Capsule endoscopy demonstrated extensive jejunal and ileal involvement with over 40 lesions.
- This indicates widespread small bowel metastasis from cutaneous melanoma.
- The lesions were characterized by pigmentation and ulceration.
Implications:
- Complete endoscopic examination is crucial for patients with metastatic melanoma.
- Capsule endoscopy offers a noninvasive and effective method for diagnosing small bowel metastasis.
- Early detection of gastrointestinal involvement can guide treatment strategies for melanoma patients.
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