Multifocal primary melanoma of the cervical spinal cord successfully treated by tumorectomy: a case report

Takahito Iga, Akio Iwanami, Takeru Funakoshi, Shuji Mikami, Osahiko Tsuji, Narihito Nagoshi, Eijiro Okada, Nobuyuki Fujita, Mitsuru Yagi, Kota Watanabe, Masaya Nakamura, Morio Matsumoto

Research output: Contribution to journalArticlepeer-review

7 Citations (Scopus)

Abstract

Introduction Multifocal primary melanoma of the spine is extremely rare. Here, we report a case of multifocal primary melanoma of the cervical spinal cord. Case presentation A 39-year-old man presented with a 1-year history of numbness of the upper extremities and back. Magnetic resonance imaging of the cervical spine suggested multifocal intradural extramedullary tumors at levels C2 and C4–C5. A diagnostic biopsy revealed a pathological diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Tumorectomy was then performed. The numbness in the patient’s upper extremities improved, and he was discharged. As of 2 years after surgery, no signs of local or systemic recurrence have been noted. Discussion Primary melanoma of the spinal cord usually carries a poor prognosis. However, in this case, the outcome following tumorectomy has been highly favorable. We speculate that this is because the MIB-1 labeling index of the tumors was less than 1%.

Original languageEnglish
Article number24
JournalSpinal Cord Series and Cases
Volume4
DOIs
Publication statusPublished - 2018
Externally publishedYes

All Science Journal Classification (ASJC) codes

  • Neurology
  • Clinical Neurology

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