Primary intracranial melanoma

Abstract

Primary intracranial malignant melanomas are rarely reported tumors of the central nervous system that are highly malignant with a poor prognosis, accounting for 0.1% of intracranial neoplasms. Given the location of the tumor, preoperative diagnosis by imaging study is difficult. Typically, mainstream therapy involves total excision of the tumor followed by radiation therapy. We present a case of primary intracranial melanoma arising from convexity of the left frontal lobe in a 49-year-old male who presented with headache and progressive mentality change for one month. After total tumor excision and whole brain radiation therapy, the patient has experienced tumor-free survival extending through 47 months of follow-up. Herein we have reported the patient's MRI findings, pathological examination, treatment and outcome.