Multiple gastrointestinal melanoma causing small bowel intussusception

Area of Science:

• Gastroenterology
• Surgical Oncology
• Pathology

Background:

• Primary gastrointestinal melanoma is a rare malignancy.
• Small bowel intussusception can be caused by various lesions, including tumors.
• Symptomatic anemia is a potential clinical manifestation.

Observation:

• A 61-year-old male presented with intermittent abdominal distension and symptomatic anemia.
• Contrast-enhanced computed tomography revealed an omental mass with small bowel intussusception.
• Surgical exploration and resection were performed.

Findings:

• Histopathological examination confirmed primary small bowel melanoma.
• The intussusceptum was identified as malignant melanoma.
• The diagnosis of primary gastrointestinal melanoma can be controversial, potentially arising from a regressed cutaneous source.

Implications:

• Prompt surgical intervention is crucial for obtaining tissue diagnosis.
• Early surgery can prevent complete intestinal obstruction.
• This case underscores the need for considering rare diagnoses in unexplained gastrointestinal symptoms.