Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jan 16, 2026

Minimally Invasive Isolated Limb Perfusion (MI-ILP) for Locally Advanced Melanomas and Sarcomas of the Extremity
Published on: January 31, 2025
A case of a benign tumor with marked melanin pigmentation localized within the inferior vena cava
Hiroyuki Nagita1, Masamitsu Suhara1, Kunihiro Shigematsu1
1Department of Vascular Surgery, International University of Health and Welfare Mita Hospital, Mita, Japan.
Abstract:
A 65-year-old woman with no significant medical history was incidentally found to have a well-circumscribed lesion in the inferior vena cava on computed tomography. Despite unremarkable clinical findings and inconclusive preoperative assessments, she underwent surgical resection for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes. Complete excision was achieved, and histopathological analysis revealed a benign tumor with abundant melanin pigmentation. No recurrence was observed during 1 year of follow-up without adjuvant therapy. This case highlights the importance of surgical intervention for both diagnosis and treatment in managing tumors of the inferior vena cava.
Related Concept Videos
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Veins of the Abdomen and Pelvis
The inferior vena cava is fed by numerous smaller veins. The lumbar veins, for instance, drain the posterior abdominal wall, emptying both directly into the inferior vena cava and into the...
Venous Thrombosis II: Clinical Manifestations and Diagnostic Studies
Veins of Head and Neck
On the other hand, the vertebral veins, unlike their arterial counterparts, are not primarily responsible for brain drainage. Instead, they drain the cervical vertebrae, spinal cord, and some small...
Pigmentation
Melanin occurs in two primary forms: eumelanin that provides black and brown pigment and pheomelanin that provides red color. Dark-skinned individuals produce more melanin than those with pale...

