Beyond the Surface: A Case Report of a Patient with Small Bowel Metastasis and Melanoma History. Diagnosis and Management.

Abstract

Background: Malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the most prevalent and deadliest forms of skin cancer, resulting from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. It accounts for approximately 1.7% of global cancer diagnoses and is the fifth most common cancer in the US. MM can metastasize to almost any part of the body, with early detection significantly improving prognosis. Case presentation: We report the case of an 81-year-old female with a history of malignant melanoma (primary lesion on the left calf) and various comorbidities. She presented with severe anemia of unknown origin. A CT scan was performed due to her medical history, revealing a circumferential, asymmetrical parietal thickening at the level of a hypogastric ileal loop. The lesion suggested a tumoral substrate. Subsequent colonoscopy showed no metastatic lesions, but surgical intervention confirmed a malignant melanoma ileal metastasis. The patient underwent laparoscopic segmental resection with favorable post-surgery outcomes. Histopathological examination of the resected tissue confirmed the diagnosis of small intestine secondary lesions from the malignant melanoma. Conclusion: This case underscores the necessity of considering metastatic melanoma in patients with a history of MM and vague gastrointestinal symptoms. Early and accurate diagnosis through advanced imaging and endoscopic techniques can significantly improve patient outcomes.