Endobronchial melanoma metastasis 40 years after the excision of the primary cutaneous tumor

Abstract

RATIONALE: Endobronchial melanoma metastases are rare, comprising 4.5% of all endobronchial metastases. They are diagnosed at a median time of 48 months from primary tumor presentation, and survival of these patients is poorer when accompanied by other metastatic sites or malignant pleural effusion. We present a case of endobronchial melanoma metastasis happening 40 years after the initial diagnosis. The need of adjuvant techniques in the diagnosis of this tumor is highlighted and a short review on this rare phenomenon is provided. PATIENTS CONCERNS: An 83-year old nonsmoking woman, presented with dyspnea. DIAGNOSES: Left lung atelectasis was found. INTERVENTIONS: Endobronchial resection of a tumor of the left main stem bronchus was achieved by rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia with complete reventilation of the left lung. OUTCOMES: Histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostics of the resected tumor led to a diagnosis of an endobronchial melanoma metastasis. LESSONS: Melanoma is a type of tumor that cannot be regarded as cured even after long disease-free periods, and thus, any new symptomatology in these patients warrants stringent work up.