Malignant melanoma presents unusual predilection for metastasizing in small intestine, becoming one of the most common malignancies that metastasize in small intestine. Intestinal metastases can be identified at the moment of primary disease or later, as a first sign of recurrence.
We report a case of malignant melanoma metastatic to the GI tract. A 45-year-old woman underwent the resection of superficial spreading melanoma in his lumbar region seven years before. Metastatic deposit in the left suprarenal gland was diagnosed and laparoscopically removed one year prior to admission. Abdominal CT scan showed indurated and distended small-intestinal loops with several intraluminal tumorous formations and small bowel intussusceptions. Resection of the involved segment of the small intestine in total length of 1.5m with tumorous formations as well as the intussuscepted segment was performed.
Patients operated for malignant melanoma of the skin with gastrointestinal symptoms, anemia or melaena should be suspected for metastatic deposits in the small intestine. Malignant melanoma metastases in the bowel are more common
than one might think. Increased awareness of the problem may lead to earlier diagnosis and better surgical results.
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