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Updated: May 10, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Melanoma of unknown primary origin presenting as a rapidly enlarging adrenal mass
Shamim Ejaz1, Hassan Shawa, Samuel Alva Henderson
1Department of Endocrine Neoplasia, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, Texas, USA.
Abstract:
Metastasis to the adrenal can be seen in the context of metastatic melanoma, but primary adrenal melanoma is very uncommon. We present a case of a rapidly enlarging adrenal mass that mimicked non-functioning primary adrenal malignancies but later proved to be part of a widely metastatic melanoma of unknown primary origin. Careful physical examination of the patient led to the discovery of a subcutaneous metastatic focus that was not seen on [(18)F]-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography/CT imaging. The presence of subcutaneous metastases raised the suspicion for metastatic melanoma; however, pathological confirmation remained the ultimate tool to reach the final diagnosis.
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