Pleural Metastatic Melanoma With Recurrent Malignant Pleural Effusions

TL;DR

This paper reports a rare case of pleural metastatic melanoma with recurring pleural effusions, highlighting the need for clinicians to consider this diagnosis in similar cases.

Contribution

The novelty lies in presenting a rare clinical case and emphasizing the importance of considering pleural metastatic melanoma in recurrent pleural effusions.

Findings

Pleural metastatic melanoma with recurrent malignant pleural effusions is extremely rare.

The patient required an indwelling pleural catheter and thoracotomy with decortication for management.

Clinicians should maintain a high suspicion for this condition in cases of recurrent pleural effusions.

Abstract

Pleural metastatic melanoma is rare, and associated malignant pleural effusions are even rarer. We present a case of pleural metastatic melanoma with recurrent malignant pleural effusions. The initial diagnosis showed no metastatic disease, and the patient underwent resection and received a year of immunotherapy for localized disease. However, two years later, the patient presented with pleural metastatic melanoma with unresolving malignant pleural effusions requiring an indwelling pleural catheter and eventually, thoracotomy with decortication. Clinicians should have a high index of suspicion for pleural metastatic melanoma in the setting of recurrent pleural effusions, even though it is a rare occurrence.

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