Nodular Melanoma: A Case Report and Review of Literature

Abstract

A malignant melanoma is an abnormal proliferation of pigmented cells in the body. Half of these tumors have BRAF mutations, with a worse response to treatment. We present the case of a 58-year-old male with a pigmented nodular lesion on the right calf and inguinal lymphadenopathy; a positive biopsy for nodular malignant melanoma (MMN) with the largest diameter of 2 mm, Clark level III and Breslow of 3 mm. Four months after tumor resection of the right pelvic limb and right lymphadenectomy are performed, the patient presents multiple and confluent lesions in the same region. He received treatment with ipilimumab every 6 weeks and nivolumab every 3 weeks, with stability and without progression of the lesions. The patient has one year of survival from the time of diagnosis as well as 10 months of survival from the start of immunotherapy, currently with a year of survival. The combined immunotherapy of ipimumab plus nivolumab has been shown to be one of the most effective regiments for MMN.