Melanoma and the Gastrointestinal (GI) Tract: Maintaining a High Index of Suspicion

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is a life-threatening malignant tumor deriving from melanocytes, regarded as the most lethal form of skin cancer. One of the attributing factors to this fact is its propensity to metastasize to all organs of the human body. The strongest risk factors for melanoma include exposure to UV rays, family history of melanoma, and a prior history of melanoma. Malignant melanoma is thought to metastasize first to the local lymph nodes and then to secondary sites, most commonly skin, lung, and to the brain. This case highlights the severity of melanoma and its negative impact on the gastrointestinal tract. Patients with metastatic melanoma to the gastrointestinal tract can present with nonspecific, generalized gastrointestinal symptoms such as abdominal pain or constipation. Here we discuss the pathology, symptomatology, management options, and prognosis of metastatic melanoma of the gastrointestinal tract. The aim of this case is to promote a high index of suspicion of gastrointestinal metastasis in melanoma patients with gastrointestinal symptoms.