Gastric metastasis from sphenoid sinus melanoma: A case report

Abstract

Clinical reports of primary sphenoid sinus melanoma and isolated gastric metastatic melanoma are rare. Thus, to the best of our knowledge, the present study reports the first case of isolated gastric metastasis from a sphenoid sinus melanoma. The aim of the present study was to discuss the clinicopathological and radiographic characteristics, the treatment strategy and the prognosis of sphenoid sinus metastatic malignant melanoma of the stomach. Although almost 60% of patients who succumb to melanoma exhibit gastrointestinal metastases at autopsy, antemortem diagnosis is uncommon; this is predominantly due to gastric metastatic melanoma presenting with non-specific symptoms similar to other common gastrointestinal diseases. Gastrectomy may prolong overall survival and improve the quality of life for gastric metastatic melanoma patients, and the present case emphasizes the importance of palliative surgery in such cases.