Malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm originating from skin and rarely, from mucosal membranes. Genital melanomas are a rare variant of the malignancy. Vulvar and vaginal malignant melanomas are the most common form of melanomas in the female genital tract. Vaginal malignant melanoma is a rare and aggressive neoplasm of the genital tract, presenting in the 5 th and 6 th decade and is associated with early dissemination and metastasis. It presents a diagnostic dilemma as it is confused with squamous cell carcinoma of vagina or cervix, hence, resulting in late diagnosis and poor prognosis. Vaginal melanomas differ from cutaneous melanomas in both pathology and molecular biology, with BRAF being detected in very few cases as opposed to cutaneous melanomas. We present a case of malignant melanoma of vagina which was extensively metastatic at diagnosis. It was initially diagnosed after a frontal craniotomy done for a space occupying lesion in the brain. Subsequently, multiple nodes were detected in axillary and inguinal regions. We treated her whole brain radiotherapy and then she was started with chemotherapy, paclitaxel and carboplatin. Her disease progression is stable and her KPS has improved with the treatment. High degree of clinical suspicion and a detailed gynaecological examination can help in early diagnosis and start of treatment. Complete surgical resection and radiotherapy, whenever possible should be done. A combination of chemotherapy and immunotherapy afterwards can control the disease progression in both localised and metastatic cases.
scite is a Brooklyn-based organization that helps researchers better discover and understand research articles through Smart Citations–citations that display the context of the citation and describe whether the article provides supporting or contrasting evidence. scite is used by students and researchers from around the world and is funded in part by the National Science Foundation and the National Institute on Drug Abuse of the National Institutes of Health.
customersupport@researchsolutions.com
10624 S. Eastern Ave., Ste. A-614
Henderson, NV 89052, USA
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.
Copyright © 2025 scite LLC. All rights reserved.
Made with 💙 for researchers
Part of the Research Solutions Family.