Gastrointestinal involvement in metastatic melanoma

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Metastatic melanoma can rarely involve the gastrointestinal tract.
• Gastrointestinal symptoms in melanoma patients warrant thorough investigation.
• Timely diagnosis of gastrointestinal metastasis is critical for patient outcomes.

Purpose of the Study:

• To report two cases of gastrointestinal involvement in metastatic melanoma.
• To emphasize the importance of considering gastrointestinal metastasis in melanoma patients with GI symptoms.
• To highlight the role of endoscopic evaluation and biopsy in diagnosis and management.

Main Methods:

• Case report detailing two distinct patient presentations.
• Review of clinical history, symptoms, and diagnostic findings.
• Endoscopic evaluation and histopathological confirmation of metastatic melanoma.

Main Results:

• Case 1: Metastatic melanoma lesions identified in the stomach and duodenum in a patient with a history of melanoma and brain metastases.
• Case 2: Metastatic melanoma lesion found at the gastro-oesophageal junction in a patient with a history of chest wall melanoma.
• Both cases presented with significant gastrointestinal symptoms necessitating investigation.

Conclusions:

• Gastrointestinal metastasis from melanoma, though infrequent, should be suspected in patients with relevant history and GI symptoms.
• Prompt endoscopic examination and biopsy are essential for accurate diagnosis of gastrointestinal melanoma metastasis.
• Early detection facilitates appropriate management strategies for metastatic melanoma affecting the GI tract.