Metastatic melanoma with occult primary tumor

In 3% of melanomas, the primary tumor is occult. We report a 58 years old female presenting with rapidly growing painless left inguinal lymphadenopathies. The patient was reassessed two months later, verifying that the lesions enlarged further. A CAT scan of the left inguinal region showed a solid mass in the subcutaneous of the proximal region of the left thigh. An incisional biopsy of the inguinal mass was performed. The pathological study disclosed malignant melanoma. The patient was subjected to an iliofemoral lymphatic excision and to five sessions of regional radiotherapy. After two years of follow up, the patient is without evidence of tumor recurrence.