Metastatic malignant melanoma causing ileo-ileal intussusception

We report here a rare case of metastatic malignant melanoma presenting as ileo-ileal intussusception. A 66-year-old man revealed a past medical history of excision of malignant melanoma, followed by axillary lymph node spread treated with block dissection and radiotherapy. He presented with symptoms of small bowel obstruction and subsequent CT revealed a likely nodular intussusception. Resection confirmed the intussusception and histological analysis confirmed the lead point as metastatic malignant melanoma. It has been reported that up to 5% of those with malignant melanoma will present with bowel metastases before death, yet autopsy studies estimate approximately 60% of those with melanomas have GI metastases. Intussusceptions themselves account for only 1-5% of intestinal obstructions in adults. The magnitude of silent metastases highlights the need to take those with a previous malignant melanoma presenting with GI symptoms seriously as surgery can affect survival.