Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Female Genital Tract: A Series of Interesting Cases

Excerpt

Primary malignant melanoma (MM) accounts for 1% of all cancers. Melanomas arising from the female urogenital tract occur primarily in the vulva and vagina (95% and 3%, respectively), and cervical melanoma is least common. Primary vaginal melanoma accounts for less than 7% of all MMs, with less than 300 case reports worldwide [1]. Genital tract melanoma occurs most commonly in postmenopausal women. The mean age at diagnosis is 57 years. Diagnosis is made by histological and immunological examination. Imaging studies are useful in identifying the primary site of malignancy and in determining extension of the mass. The overall prognosis of MM of the female genital tract is very poor because it is usually diagnosed at an advanced stage and it spreads hematogenously at early stages [1]. …