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A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Malignant melanoma identified within a pulmonary sequestration- a case report
Tomislav Bečejac1, Mihovil Penavić2, Marko Vrančić2
1Clinical Department of Thoracic Surgery, School of Medicine, University Hospital Centre Zagreb, University of Zagreb, Kišpatićeva ulica br. 12, 10000 Zagreb, 10000, Zagreb, Croatia. tbecejac@gmail.com.
Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
|July 18, 2026
Summary
This case report details the first instance of malignant melanoma found within a pulmonary sequestration (PS). The study highlights the diagnostic challenges and emphasizes the need for careful evaluation of new lesions in PS patients.
Area of Science:
- Thoracic Surgery
- Oncology
- Pulmonary Medicine
Background:
- Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a congenital lung malformation characterized by abnormal systemic arterial supply and lack of connection to the tracheobronchial tree.
- PS is typically treated surgically, particularly when symptomatic.
- Malignant tumors, predominantly adenocarcinomas, are rarely identified within PS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first known case of malignant melanoma arising within a pulmonary sequestration.
- To discuss the diagnostic challenges associated with identifying primary pulmonary melanoma versus metastatic melanoma in the context of PS.
- To underscore the importance of surgical intervention for new lesions within PS.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of an 84-year-old male with symptomatic intralobar pulmonary sequestration.
- Surgical resection (left lower lobectomy and lymphadenectomy) was performed due to a newly detected solid lesion on MSCT.
- Histopathological analysis confirmed two melanomas within the resected PS specimen.
Main Results:
- Two melanomas were discovered within the resected pulmonary sequestration.
- Post-operative staging via PET/CT and skin biopsies ruled out other primary or metastatic melanoma sites.
- The patient experienced disease dissemination one year after surgery.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary sequestration can harbor malignant neoplasms, including melanoma.
- Distinguishing primary pulmonary melanoma from metastatic melanoma in PS presents diagnostic difficulties.
- The emergence of a new solid lesion within PS warrants thorough investigation and consideration for surgical resection.
