Summary
Given the high morbidity and mortality of gastric mucosal melanoma, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment can lead to improved outcomes and survival.
Original Article
An Unusual Case of Primary Gastric Balloon Cell Melanoma
ACG Case Reports Journal
Chaudhry, Hunza MD; Green, Victoria MD; Lin, Joanne DO; Lewis, Justin MD; Wong, Helen MD
Abstract
Most cases of melanoma found in the gastrointestinal tract are the result of metastasis. Although uncommon and only described in isolated case reports, primary gastric melanoma should be considered when patients present with vague gastrointestinal symptoms and a mass is identified on esophagogastroduodenoscopy or imaging. We describe a case of primary gastric balloon cell melanoma in a 73-year-old man who presented with melena. Given the high morbidity and mortality of gastric mucosal melanoma, early diagnosis and initiation of treatment can lead to improved outcomes and survival.
Disclosures
Author contributions: H. Chaudhry, V. Green, J. Lin, and J. Lewis reviewed the literature, drafted the manuscript, revised it for important intellectual content, and were involved in the final approval of the version to be published. H. Wong revised the article for important intellectual content and was involved in the final approval of the version to be published. H. Chaudhry is the article guarantor.
Financial disclosure: None to report.
Informed consent was obtained for this case report.