Primitive cerebral melanoma: a diagnostic and management challenge. About 2 cases

J Neuroradiol. 2012 Jul;39(3):200-4. doi: 10.1016/j.neurad.2011.10.004. Epub 2011 Dec 12.

Abstract

In this report of two cases of solitary cerebral meningeal melanoma, a rare tumor that presents both diagnostic and management challenges, the diagnosis of these lesions was based on a solitary leptomeningeal mass on MRI, a high mitotic rate on histology and the absence of extracerebral localizations. Although the radiological patterns can mimic those of other melanocytic tumors, MRI is a useful diagnostic tool for narrowing the differential diagnosis. Surgical removal remains the only effective treatment of these lesions, and can lead to prolonged survival in a few cases.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Brain Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Brain Neoplasms / therapy*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging*
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / therapy*
  • Treatment Outcome