Metastatic Cutaneous Melanoma of the Gallbladder

Abstract

Metastatic melanoma is an aggressive disease that can spread to many organs of the body. In rare cases, it can spread to the gallbladder causing secondary lesions, yet presenting with little to no symptoms. Therefore, most cases of metastatic melanoma lesions to the gallbladder go undiagnosed. Here, we present the case of a 41-year-old male with a four-month history of melanoma of the face, with a postresection status, who presented with right upper quadrant abdominal pain. Doppler ultrasound and computed tomography confirmed the presence of a mass on the gallbladder. Laparoscopic excision along with liver wedge resection was performed. Pathology staining revealed the presence of a malignant metastatic melanoma lesion of the gallbladder.

Role of minimally invasive surgery in the treatment of gallbladder metastatic melanoma. A review of the literature and a case report

“…Regarding sex, 67.2% of the patients were male (39 patients), whereas 32.8% were female (19 patients). The ratio between men and women was 3:1, suggesting a male predominance in the reported MMG population 6–43 …”

Trocar Site Recurrence after Laparoscopic Cholecystectomy for Unsuspected Isolated Gallbladder Metastasis of Melanoma: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

“…There could also be a place for surgery in the diffuse metastatic context [18,19,22,24,26,28], as cholecystectomy can prevent further dissemination via bile, relieve symptoms, and minimize the risk of biliary complications [6,13].…”

Cholecystectomy for Resistant Metastatic Malignant Melanoma of the Gallbladder: A Case Report

“…Metastases are most commonly seen in the lung, whereas gastrointestinal metastasis only account for 2-4%. Even lower numbers are attributed to gallbladder deposits diagnosed in living patients [4][5][6][7]. Autopsy findings however have a significantly higher detection of gallbladder metastasis, with literature showing a range from 4 to 20% [6][7][8].…”

“…Even lower numbers are attributed to gallbladder deposits diagnosed in living patients [4][5][6][7]. Autopsy findings however have a significantly higher detection of gallbladder metastasis, with literature showing a range from 4 to 20% [6][7][8]. Virtually asymptomatic, the presence of gallbladder deposits is usually associated with widespread intra-abdominal disease, rarely presenting as an isolated tumour [4].…”