Pancreatic Metastasis from Malignant Melanoma: Not All That Glitters Is Gold

Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy of the pancreas; on rare occasions, metastatic tumors are present. Differentiating a primary neoplasm from a metastatic one is important for ensuring adequate treatment for the patient. We present a case of metastatic melanoma to the pancreas....

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Bibliographic Details
Main Authors: Jose Vargas-Jiménez, Jorge Vargas-Madrigal, Roberto Arias-Mora, Diana Ulate-Ovares, Bruno Solis-Ugalde
Format: Article
Language:English
Published: Karger Publishers 2021-02-01
Series:Case Reports in Gastroenterology
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Online Access:https://www.karger.com/Article/FullText/511864
Description
Summary:Pancreatic adenocarcinoma is the most common malignancy of the pancreas; on rare occasions, metastatic tumors are present. Differentiating a primary neoplasm from a metastatic one is important for ensuring adequate treatment for the patient. We present a case of metastatic melanoma to the pancreas. A 60-year-old man presented with a history of weight loss, vague abdominal pain, jaundice, and pruritus. Laboratory tests showed increased total bilirubin, with a direct fraction predominance, as well as increased alkaline phosphatase and gamma glutamyl transferase. Imaging studies revealed a mass in the head of the pancreas. Endoscopic ultrasound (EUS)-guided fine needle biopsy was performed, and histologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of metastatic melanoma. This case report illustrates the invaluable use of EUS-guided tissue acquisition in the study of pancreatic solid lesions to obtain an accurate diagnosis. Melanomas should always be part of a differential diagnosis when evaluating patients with pancreatic masses.
ISSN:1662-0631