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Updated: May 15, 2025

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Headaches, Heart Block, and a Heart Tumor: Unusual Presentation of Malignant Melanoma
Sahar Sohrabian1, Ramona Mehrinfar-Zadeh1
1Cardiology, University of California, Los Angeles, Los Angeles, USA.
Insights
Malignant melanoma can spread to the heart, causing non-specific symptoms like headaches and altered mental status. Early cardiac imaging is crucial for diagnosing these rare but serious metastatic cardiac tumors.
Area of Science:
- Cardiology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Cardiac tumors encompass benign primary masses and malignant metastatic lesions.
- Metastatic cardiac tumors often present with non-specific systemic symptoms, potentially delaying diagnosis.
- Malignant melanoma is known to metastasize to the heart.
Abstract:
Cardiac tumors may range from benign primary cardiac masses to malignant metastatic tumors. The constellation of systemic symptoms and presenting findings in metastatic cardiac tumors may be non-specific and may lead to non-cardiac testing before the diagnosis is confirmed with advanced cardiac imaging. We present a case of malignant melanoma with metastatic disease to the heart presenting with headaches, altered mental status, and complete heart block. A detailed history and dermatologic exam should be pursued in any case of cardiac tumor, as metastatic melanoma has a predilection for cardiac involvement. The prognosis remains poor independent of chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and surgical resection, especially with a higher burden of metastatic disease.
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