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Updated: Apr 22, 2026
09:38
Minimally Invasive Isolated Limb Perfusion (MI-ILP) for Locally Advanced Melanomas and Sarcomas of the Extremity
Published on: January 31, 2025
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Small bowel perforation caused by advanced melanoma.
Tumori
|October 10, 2014
Summary
Rising melanoma incidence increases risk of gastrointestinal metastasis. A rare case of jejunal perforation due to melanoma highlights the need for thorough physical exams in patients with abdominal symptoms.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Gastroenterology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Melanoma incidence is rising globally, posing a significant public health challenge.
- While melanoma dissemination commonly occurs via lymphatic and hematogenous routes, gastrointestinal (GI) metastases are less frequent.
- Primary mucosal melanomas and peritoneal melanomas are rare, with few documented cases presenting with acute abdominal symptoms.
Observation:
- A young, previously healthy patient presented with acute abdominal pain secondary to intestinal perforation.
- Surgical exploration revealed extensive jejunal metastasis with perforation, alongside other intra-abdominal and cutaneous lesions.
- The patient's primary melanoma on the forearm showed near-complete regression.
Findings:
- Massive jejunal metastasis necessitated a 35 cm resection.
- Despite initial surgical recovery, the patient succumbed to the advanced disease within one month.
- The case underscores the aggressive potential of undiagnosed melanoma with GI metastasis.
Implications:
- Increased melanoma incidence may lead to more cases of undiagnosed GI metastasis presenting with acute abdominal conditions.
- Highlights the critical importance of comprehensive physical examinations, especially in patients presenting with atypical abdominal symptoms.
- Emphasizes the need for heightened clinical suspicion for melanoma metastasis in the gastrointestinal tract.
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