Distant melanoma causing small bowel obstruction

A Case of Jejuno-Jejunal Intussusception Caused by Underlying Metastatic Melanoma

Intussusception in adults is a rare finding with a majority of cases occurring in the pediatric population. It occurs infrequently and its presentation, etiology, and treatment differ from childhood intussusception. When discovered in adults, it raises suspicion for a neoplastic process serving as the pathological lead point. Cross-sectional imaging is the primary study of choice for diagnosis, but at times, a more invasive approach involving an exploratory laparotomy is required posing an increased risk for morbidity and mortality. Here we present a 64-year-old male who was found to have jejunal-jejunal intussusception that was surgically removed with pathology revealing metastatic melanoma as the lead point. This case highlights a unique presentation of a melanoma that was previously eradicated with immunotherapy and now had metastasized to the intestine many years later.

Intra-Abdominal Malignant Melanoma: Challenging Aspects of Epidemiology, Clinical and Paraclinical Diagnosis and Optimal Treatment—A Literature Review

According to European consensus-based interdisciplinary guidelines for melanoma, cutaneous melanoma (CM) is the most deadly form of dermatological malignancy, accounting for 90% of the deaths of skin cancer patients. In addition to cutaneous melanoma, mucosal melanoma occurs in four major anatomical sites, including the upper respiratory tract, the conjunctiva, the anorectal region, and the urogenital area. As this cancer type metastasizes, a classification used in the current medical literature is the distinction between secondary lesions and primary malignant melanoma of the abdominal cavity. Given that malignant melanoma is the most common cancer that spreads to the gastrointestinal tract, different imaging modalities compete to diagnose the phenomenon correctly and to measure its extension. Treatment is primarily surgery-based, supported by immunotherapy, and prolongs survival, even when performed at stage IV illness. In the end, special forms of malignant melanoma are discussed, such as melanoma of the genito-urinary tract and amelanotic/achromic melanoma. The importance of this present literature review relies on yielding and grouping consistent and relevant, updated information on the many aspects and challenges that a clinician might encounter during the diagnosis and treatment of a patient with intra-abdominal melanoma.

Small Bowel Intussusception Caused by Metastatic Melanoma: A Case Report

Intussusception, as a rare cause of small bowel obstruction, can be secondary to benign or malignant pathology. Malignant lesions causing intussusception can be primary or metastatic lesions. Metastasis can occur many years later. We present a case of metastatic melanoma in a 69-year-old man as the underlying etiology of his intussusception. The patient had laparoscopic Roux-en-Y gastric bypass four years prior to his presentation and did recall excision of a skin melanoma at age 64. Laparoscopic or open surgical resection is the best therapeutic option in cases such as this.