Case Report: Overlooked Skin Melanoma Unveiled by Gastric Metastasis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Gastroenterology
• Dermatology

Background:

• Gastric metastasis from melanoma is an uncommon clinical presentation.
• It frequently represents an incidental finding, often obscuring the primary cutaneous melanoma.

Observation:

• A 62-year-old male presented with symptoms including abdominal pain, dyspepsia, anorexia, and weight loss.
• Physical examination revealed abdominal masses and hepatomegaly. Imaging demonstrated widespread metastatic disease.
• Endoscopy identified a pigmented lesion in the stomach, histopathologically confirmed as melanoma.

Findings:

• Immunohistochemical staining confirmed melanoma metastasis to the stomach.
• A subsequent thorough skin examination identified a primary malignant skin melanoma.
• The patient's condition deteriorated, leading to palliative hospice care.

Implications:

• This case underscores the necessity of comprehensive skin evaluations in patients with unexplained metastatic disease.
• Early detection of primary cutaneous melanoma is crucial for effective management and prognosis.