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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
Malignant melanoma, a rare cancer, was found within a pulmonary sequestration (PS), a congenital lung defect. This case highlights the diagnostic challenges and the need for careful evaluation of new lesions in PS.
Area of Science:
- Pulmonology
- Oncology
- Pathology
Background:
- Pulmonary sequestration (PS) is a congenital lung malformation characterized by abnormal arterial supply and lack of connection to the tracheobronchial tree.
- PS is typically treated surgically, especially when symptomatic.
- Malignant tumors, predominantly adenocarcinomas, are rarely identified within PS.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the first known case of malignant melanoma occurring within a pulmonary sequestration.
- To highlight the diagnostic difficulties in differentiating primary pulmonary melanoma from metastatic disease in the context of PS.
Main Methods:
- A case presentation of an 84-year-old male with symptomatic intralobar pulmonary sequestration.
- Diagnosis confirmed via multislice computed tomography (MSCT) and surgical resection (left lower lobectomy and lymphadenectomy).
- Histopathological analysis revealed two melanomas within the sequestration; further investigations including PET/CT were conducted.
Main Results:
- Histopathology confirmed two melanomas within the resected pulmonary sequestration.
- No other signs of malignancy were detected elsewhere in the body through PET/CT or skin lesion biopsies.
- The patient experienced disease dissemination one year post-surgery.
Conclusions:
- Pulmonary sequestration can harbor malignant neoplasms, including melanoma.
- Distinguishing primary pulmonary melanoma from metastatic melanoma presents diagnostic challenges.
- New solid lesions within PS warrant thorough evaluation and consideration for surgical intervention.
