Recurrent malignant melanoma presenting as monoarthritis

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Orthopedics
• Pathology

Background:

• Malignant melanoma is a serious skin cancer.
• Recurrence can occur years after initial treatment.
• Metastatic disease can affect various organs.

Observation:

• A 29-year-old woman with a history of level IV malignant melanoma of the right calf presented with right knee arthritis.
• The arthritis was diagnosed as recurrent melanoma in the femoral condyle after a 4-year disease-free interval.

Findings:

• Recurrent melanoma can manifest as bone metastasis.
• Melanoma metastasis to the femur can mimic arthritic conditions.

Implications:

• Metastatic carcinomatous arthropathy is an important differential diagnosis for monoarthritis.
• Consider metastatic disease in patients with a history of cancer presenting with joint pain.