Multiple spinal cord melanoma: case report with emphasis on the difficult preoperative diagnosis

Abstract

Primary spinal melanoma (PSM) is rare and usually occurs in the cervical and thoracic regions. Here, we present a case of multiple spinal cord melanoma located at the level of cervical and upper thoracic spine in a 24-year-old male. The patient underwent a T6-T7 thoracic laminectomy and gross-total resection of the duty lesion. The histological findings of the tumor were consistent with an intermediate-grade melanocytoma. To the best of our knowledge, only two cases of multifocal primary melanocytic tumor have been reported in the literature. In this case study we review the pertinent literature and emphasize the importance and difficulties concerning the preoperative diagnosis of multiple PSM.