Metastatic melanoma to the small bowel complicated by fistula formation

Nausheen Khan, MB BS, FC Rad

Irma van de Werke, MB ChB, FRCR

Department of Radiology, Kalafong Hospital, Pretoria

Zaeem I Ebrahim, MB BCh, FC Rad

Farzanah Ismail, MB BCh, FC Rad

Department of Radiology, Steve Biko Academic Hospital and University of Pretoria

Corresponding author: Z Ebrahim (zaeem@iafrica.com)

Introduction

Malignant melanoma (MM) is an unpredictable tumour that can metastasise to any organ, and is well known for its widespread dissemination. The incidence of metastases to the gastro-intestinal (GI) tract is well documented; this, however, is a late manifestation of the disease with an overall poor prognosis. Most GI metastases are asymptomatic and are only discovered on postmortem, with the majority in the small bowel. The presenting symptoms are usually of obstruction or intussusception; GI bleeding is also common. Fistula formation with the small bowel is rare; ours is believed to be the second case documented.1 , 2

Case history

A 59-year-old man presented with a 2-month history of change in bowel habits. There was no significant history of illness in the past and no known primary lesion. Clinically, his abdomen was distended with a palpable right iliac fossa mass extending to the supra-pubic area. There were no signs of guarding or tenderness. Blood tests showed that he was anaemic, with haemoglobin of 9.4g/dl, leucocytosis and raised C-reactive protein (CRP).

Radiological findings

Ultrasound

Ultrasound showed a para-caecal mass associated with para-aortic and para-pancreatic lymphadenopathy. Computed tomography (CT) scans (Figs 1 - 3) revealed a large intraperitoneal, predominantly mesenteric, mass in the right lower abdomen crossing to the contra-lateral side, with a large central ulceration and fistula formation with the distal small bowel i.e. ileum with an air contrast level within the tumour. There was also para-aortic and peri-pancreatic lymphadenopathy.The rest of the small bowel was displaced anteriorly, and the sigmoid pushed postero-laterally.

Discussion

MM is one of the most common malignancies to metastasise to the GI tract.2 It does so via lymphatic channels to parenchymal organs. Symptomatic metastasis to the GI tract is seen only in 2% of patients.3 Metastases may present at the time of primary diagnosis or decades later as the first sign of recurrence. MM that involves the GI tract may be either primary or metastatic.2 Symptoms include abdominal pain, dysphagia, small bowel obstruction, haematemesis and melena. Symptoms are usually identical to those caused by primary GI tumours.4 , 6

Primary GI melanoma can arise in various GI mucosal sites, including the oral cavity, oesophagus, small bowel, rectum and anus, in the absence of prior cutaneous melanoma. Primary melanoma of the GI tract is rarely diagnosed at an early stage. Distinguishing between a primary GI mucosal melanoma and melanoma metastases to the GI tract from an unknown or regressed cutaneous primary may be difficult.2 , 4

The most common sites of metastases are lymph nodes (73%) and lung (71%), followed by the liver, brain, bone and adrenal glands; GI metastasis stands at 43%. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common subtype to metastasise to the GI tract.2

Diagnosis of MM is generally made by radiographic contrast studies, including CT, ultrasound and barium studies, as well as endoscopic evaluation. Most recently, positron emission tomography - computed tomography (PET/CT) has been used to identify sites of metastatic melanoma. CT sensitivity is between 60 and 70%.2 , 5

Metastatic lesions may be intraluminal masses, ulcerating lesions (as in our case), diffusely infiltrating lesions or mesenteric implants.

Conclusion

MM in the GI tract is a late manifestation of the disease, with overall poor prognosis.6 In a patient presenting with a GI tract mass, initial differentials should include primary GI tract tumours as well as lymphoma; however, a high index of suspicion for metastatic melanoma should be maintained if the patient presents with seemingly unrelated symptoms or history of treated melanoma in the past.

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6. Marks JA, Rao AS, Loren D, Witkiewicz A, Mastrangelo MJ, Berger AC. Malignant melanoma presenting as obstructive jaundice secondary to metastasis to the ampulla of Vater. J Pancreas Online 2010;11(2):173-175.