Primary malignant melanoma of the vagina with repeated local recurrences and brain metastasis

J Chin Med Assoc. 2011 Aug;74(8):376-9. doi: 10.1016/j.jcma.2011.06.006. Epub 2011 Aug 6.

Abstract

Malignant melanoma of the vagina, a very rare malignancy, has a notoriously aggressive behavior associated with a high risk of local recurrence and distant metastasis. At present, there are various treatment options for this disease but no standard guideline. We describe a case of a 54-year-old woman with a locally advanced melanoma of the vagina, who underwent radical surgery, biochemotherapy with interferon-α-2b, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and repeat excision of local recurrent lesions and brain metastasis. In conclusion, malignant melanoma of the vagina has a high risk for local recurrence. Repeated local excision followed by biochemotherapy is a tolerable treatment.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Brain Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha / therapeutic use
  • Melanoma / pathology*
  • Melanoma / secondary
  • Melanoma / therapy
  • Middle Aged
  • Neoplasm Recurrence, Local / pathology*
  • Recombinant Proteins / therapeutic use
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Vaginal Neoplasms / therapy

Substances

  • Interferon alpha-2
  • Interferon-alpha
  • Recombinant Proteins