Cerebellopontine angle metastatic melanoma mimicking schwannoma in a sexagenarian: Case report

Abstract

Introduction: Metastasis of melanomas to the cerebellopontine angle (CPA) are very rare. Dissemination via blood, cerebrospinal fluid and/or leptomeninges may be the principal pathway for metastatic spread of malignant melanomas to the CPA. Case presentation: A 68-years old man presented with two years history of hearing lost in the right ear with associated dizziness and headaches. A skin lesion was seen on the patient’s right forearm. MRI revealed a nodular abnormal signal intensity at the right CPA which was resected and pathology revealed metastatic melanoma. Conclusion: Aggressive treatment regime comprising of a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy is very efficacious in prolonging the survival of patients with metastatic melanomas to the brain especially the metastasis to the CPA.