Unusual primary location of the malignant melanoma, the cervico-vaginal region: 3 cases and literature review

El Fatemi Hinde, Bennani Amal, Saadi Hannane, Bouchikhi Cherhazade, Bannani Abdelaziz, Mellas Nawfel, Mesbahi Omar

Department of Gynecology, Hassan II Teaching Hospital, Fez, Morocco.
Department of Oncology, Hassan II Teaching Hospital, Fez, Morocco.
Department of Pathology, Hassan II Teaching Hospital, Fez, Morocco.

DOI: 10.4236/ojog.2012.23058                

Abstract

Introduction: Malignant melanoma (MM) represents 1% of all cancers and has an incidence of 3% - 7% in the female genital tract, the majority of cases being reported in the vulva. The cervico-vaginal region is an unsual primary location of the malignant mela-noma. Case report: The clinical and morphologic findings of 3 MM patients with cervico-vaginal tumours mimicking cervical polyp in third case. Histologically, the neoplasia was formed by nodules of broad cytoplasmic cells with poorly defined borders with pleomorphic nuclei with prominent nucleolae. Tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, Melan A, HMB 45 and CD117. The authors discuss three cases of cervico-vaginal melanoma and analyze clinical and prognostic aspects of this disease. Conclusion: Primary MM of the cervix should be considered in the differential diagnosis of cervical malignancies. Early diagnosis is essential in order to warrant a better prognosis, although there are no cases of cure described.

Keywords

Genital Tract; Malignant Melanoma; Cervix; Vagina; Chemotherapy; CD117

Conflicts of Interest

The authors declare no conflicts of interest.

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