A Rare Case of Malignant Melanoma of Vagina

Excerpt

Primary vaginal malignant melanoma is a rare form of non-cutaneous melanoma [1]. It accounts for less than 1% of all malignant melanomas and less than 3% of all primary malignant tumours of the vagina [2]. The age of the onset of vaginal melanoma has been reported to range from 38 to 90 years, with most patients being diagnosed between the ages of 60 and 80 years [1]. Patients commonly complain of vaginal bleeding, vaginal discharge or a palpable mass. Unfortunately, vaginal melanomas are often only diagnosed at an advanced stage and treatment options include local excision with wide margins, radical surgery, radiotherapy, chemotherapy and immunotherapy. Currently, no standard treatment protocol has been established and the prognosis remains poor [1]. The present study describes a case of malignant melanoma of vagina and its management (Figs. 1, 2).

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