A Rare Presentation of Malignant Melanoma in an Adult: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Insights

Abstract

This case presents a rare and aggressive manifestation of malignant melanoma, initially presenting as a chest wall swelling in a young male with a history of trauma and subsequent management for hemothorax and pyothorax. The complexity of this case lies in its atypical presentation and the challenges posed in diagnosis and treatment.A 30-year-old gentleman presented to the general surgery clinic with a chief complaint of swelling on the right side of his chest, persisting for two months following a traumatic fall, which later resulted in hemothorax and prothorax required drainage and eventually ended up developing a swelling requiring further investigations. Imaging studies, including CT and contrast-enhanced CT, indicated a large heterogeneous mass with lytic destruction of the underlying rib and infiltration into adjacent structures. An incisional biopsy confirmed the diagnosis, which required a wide local excision of the tumor. Intraoperatively, the tumor was found to involve surrounding structures, necessitating extensive resection and reconstruction. After surgical removal, histopathological examination confirmed malignant melanoma with involved margins. Additional studies like immunohistochemistry and PET-CT were required to understand the comprehensive understanding of tumor and its metastasis. Malignant melanoma, though rare, should be considered in the differential diagnosis of atypical chest wall swellings, especially in patients with recent trauma and surgical interventions. This case underscores the aggressive nature and complex management of melanoma, highlighting the necessity for prompt diagnosis and comprehensive treatment strategies to improve patient outcomes.