Metastatic melanoma of the gallbladder

Abstract

Introduction Malignant melanoma is a tumor of the melanocytes and is one of the most aggressive tumors. In most cases, the first symptoms appear in the metastatic phase of the disease. In clinical practice, malignant melanoma very rarely metastasizes to the gallbladder. Modern diagnostic methods include 18F-fluorodeoxyglucose positron emission tomography, new computed tomography protocols, new nuclear magnetic resonance for melanoma protocols, and contrast-enhanced ultrasound. The article aims to emphasize the necessity of radical surgical treatment of metastatic melanoma of the gallbladder.

Case outline We present a rare case of metastatic malignant melanoma of the gallbladder, which was treated with cholecystectomy and radical surgical excision of all metastatic lesions.

Conclusion All patients with a positive anamnesis for malignant melanoma require to be checked for the spread of the disease to the gallbladder and subsequent surgical treatment.

Keywords: malignant melanoma; gallbladder; metastasis; surgical treatment