Small bowel melanoma causing obstruction: A case report and a literature review

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of small bowel melanoma causing intestinal obstruction and highlights the challenges in diagnosing and managing this condition.

Contribution

The paper presents a rare clinical case and literature review on primary small bowel melanoma causing obstruction, emphasizing diagnostic challenges and the need for awareness.

Findings

Primary small bowel melanoma is rare and often misdiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms.

Obstruction is an uncommon presentation, making diagnosis and management difficult.

Surgical resection is beneficial, but achieving negative margins is challenging.

Abstract

Primary small bowel melanoma (PSBM) is a rare form of melanoma that originates from the intestinal mucosa. It is typically asymptomatic; however, it can present with non-specific symptoms, which pose challenges in accurately diagnosing the condition. In rare cases, it may manifest as small bowel obstruction, further adding challenges with diagnosis and management.

A 57-year-old male presented to the hospital with complaints of chronic constipation, abdominal pain, and abdominal enlargement. Computed tomography (CT) scan revealed thickening of the jejunum wall, while endoscopy and biopsy revealed nothing. During surgery, surgeons identified and excised a jejunal mass. Subsequent pathological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of melanoma, and post-surgical examination failed to identify primary cutaneous melanoma.

PSBM is a rare and aggressive tumor often misdiagnosed due to non-specific symptoms and challenging imaging interpretations. Obstruction and intussusception are uncommon presentations. Surgical resection offers symptom control and improved prognosis, but achieving negative margins can be challenging. Early recognition and diagnosis are crucial for optimal management.

The lack of data in the literature presents challenges in identifying and selecting the optimal approach for managing PSBM. Physicians should increase their awareness of this specific type of tumor to facilitate early-stage diagnosis and provide appropriate care for patients.

•Rare case of primary small bowel melanoma causing intestinal obstruction•Diagnostic challenges and the need for increased awareness•Literature review of primary small bowel melanoma cases causing obstruction•Lack of established guidelines for management and the need for further research

Rare case of primary small bowel melanoma causing intestinal obstruction

Diagnostic challenges and the need for increased awareness

Literature review of primary small bowel melanoma cases causing obstruction

Lack of established guidelines for management and the need for further research

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