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Updated: Mar 9, 2026
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Primary Intracranial Malignant Melanoma with Extracranial Metastasis
Kengo Hirota1, Chika Yoshimura1, Osami Kubo1
1Department of Neurosurgery, Tokyo Women's Medical University Medical Center East, Tokyo, Japan.
Abstract:
We report a case of primary intracranial malignant melanoma (PIMM) with extracranial metastases. The patient was an 82-year-old woman diagnosed with PIMM under the left cerebellar tentorium. We performed a tumor resection followed by gamma knife surgery. An magnetic resonance imaging at 11 months after surgery showed a local intracranial recurrence. At 12 months, vertebral metastasis was suspected, and 2-[fluorine-18]-fluoro-2-deoxy-D-glucose positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) showed multiple extracranial metastases. She died at 13 months after surgery. Although extracranial metastases of PIMM are extremely rare, we should carefully follow up extracranial metastases together with intracranial ones, especially by FDG-PET/CT, even at an early asymptomatic stage.
Insights
Primary intracranial malignant melanoma (PIMM) rarely spreads outside the brain. This case highlights the importance of monitoring for extracranial metastases, even in early, asymptomatic stages, using advanced imaging like FDG-PET/CT.
Area of Science:
- Neuro-oncology
- Medical Imaging
- Oncology
Background:
- Primary intracranial malignant melanoma (PIMM) is a rare brain tumor.
- Extracranial metastases from PIMM are exceptionally uncommon.
- Early detection and management are crucial for patient outcomes.
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