Primary malignant melanoma of the female urethra: a rare case of cytological observation

Abstract

We herein report a rare case of primary malignant urethral melanoma developed in an elderly Japanese patient with hypertension, diabetes and hyperlipidemia. An 80-year-old female presented at our hospital with a history of urodynia and perineal pain lasting for several months. Cystoscopy revealed cystitis and urethritis with erosion. At that time, urinary cytology was negative for malignancy, although melanophages were observed. Four months later, lower abdominal computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging indicated urethral tumors. Urinary cytology subsequently detected malignant melanoma, and a biopsy of the urethra confirmed malignancy. Although inguinal lymph node metastasis was found 16 months postoperatively, the patient has remained free of disease for more than six years after surgery and chemotherapy.

Primary Urethral Malignant Melanoma in an Elder Woman Diagnosed by Urine Cytology

“…On the same day, pathological diagnosis on the biopsy specimen obtained from the urethral tumor revealed the MM. As we experienced [14], immunohistochemical examination using most frequently utilized melanocytic markers, HMB-45 and Melan-A, was useful for the accurate diagnosis of MMs. The monoclonal antibody, HMB-45, is quite specific melanocytic neoplasms, and Melan-A also reacts with more than 75% of melanomas [23] [24] [25].…”

Primary malignant melanoma of urethra mimicking as urethral caruncle

“…A high index of suspicion is indicated in case of a periurethral mass presenting in an elderly female. The differential diagnosis of urethral caruncle from malignant melanoma can be successfully made histopathologically 2. Misdiagnosis can have grave consequences hence if a periurethral mass shows features like sudden increase in size, irregular consistency, associated inguinal lymphadenopathy and if it fails to respond to topical oestrogen cream, then an early excisional biopsy must be performed to rule out malignancy 3…”

Primary Malignant Melanoma of Female UrethraA Case Report

“…Clinical misdiagnosis and delayed diagnosis of urethral melanomas result in a poor prognosis. [2] In this report, we present a case of malignant melanoma originating from the urethra and involving the neck of the bladder in a postmenopausal female.…”