Case Report

Metastatic Melanoma presenting 24 years after surgical resection: a case report and review of the literature

Eoin Slattery^* and Diarmuid O'Donoghue

• * Corresponding author: Eoin Slattery slattery.eoin@gmail.com

Author Affiliations

Centre for Colorectal Disease, St. Vincent's University Hospital, Dublin 4, Ireland

For all author emails, please log on.

Cases Journal 2009, 2:189 doi:10.1186/1757-1626-2-189

Published: 10 November 2009

Abstract

Introduction

Malignant Melanoma is becoming increasingly common. Recurrence is common in, with late recurrence up to 10 years being recognised. We present a case of recurrent metastatic melanoma 24 years after initial presentation, which is the longest interval reported to date.

Case presentation

EF presented with iron-deficiency anaemia, lethargy, and weight loss. He had an enucleation of his left eye 24 years previously for a uveal melanoma. Endoscopy and biopsy confirmed recurrent duodenal and gastric metastasis. A staging CT demonstrated wide spread thoracic, liver, adrenal and bone metastasis. He was treated with palliative chemotherapy, and died 3 months later.

Conclusion

Late presentation of metastatic melanoma is common, and should be remembered in patients with a distant history of melanoma. Even, as in our case, if the history is more than two decades previously. Treatment options are poor; earlier recognition may lead to improved survival.