# An Uncommon Journey of Melanoma In Situ: A Case Report of Metastasis to the Ureter and Porta Hepatis With Positive Urine Cytology

**Authors:** Jewel John, Amruta Patil, Allwyn John Karikunnel, Ashlin Z Thomas

PMC · DOI: 10.7759/cureus.103152 · Cureus · 2026-02-07

## TL;DR

A rare case of melanoma in situ metastasizing to the ureter and liver area is reported, highlighting the need for long-term monitoring.

## Contribution

This case report presents an exceptionally rare instance of late metastasis from melanoma in situ to atypical sites.

## Key findings

- Metastatic malignant melanoma was confirmed in the ureter and porta hepatis via histopathological analysis.
- No new or recurrent primary cutaneous lesion was identified, indicating metastasis from the original melanoma in situ.
- The case underscores the potential for distant metastasis even after complete excision of melanoma in situ.

## Abstract

Melanoma in situ is typically associated with an excellent prognosis following complete excision, with metastatic spread considered exceedingly rare. We present an exceptionally rare case of a 77-year-old woman with a history of completely excised melanoma in situ diagnosed four years back, who developed obstructive uropathy. Imaging revealed masses involving the ureter, porta hepatis region, and spine. Histopathological analysis of samples obtained via endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided porta hepatis biopsy and ureteral tumor debris collected during cystoscopy confirmed Melan-A and S-100-positive metastatic malignant melanoma. No evidence of a new or recurrent primary cutaneous lesion was identified. This case highlights the rare potential for late and distant metastasis from melanoma in situ, including to atypical sites such as the ureter. It emphasizes the necessity of maintaining careful clinical monitoring throughout long-term follow-up.

## Linked entities

- **Proteins:** S100A1 (S100 calcium binding protein A1)
- **Diseases:** malignant melanoma (MONDO:0005105), obstructive uropathy (MONDO:0003330)

## Full-text entities

- **Genes:** MLANA (melan-A) [NCBI Gene 2315] {aka MART-1, MART1}, S100A1 (S100 calcium binding protein A1) [NCBI Gene 6271] {aka S100, S100-alpha, S100A}
- **Diseases:** cutaneous lesion (MESH:D009059), obstructive uropathy (MESH:C536483), Melanoma In Situ (MESH:D008545), ureteral tumor (MESH:D014516), Metastasis (MESH:D009362)
- **Species:** Homo sapiens (human, species) [taxon 9606]

## Full text

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## Figures

5 figures with captions in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12972622/full.md

## References

12 references — full list in the complete paper: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12972622/full.md

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Source: https://tomesphere.com/paper/PMC12972622