Published online May 26, 2023. doi: 10.12998/wjcc.v11.i15.3571
Peer-review started: December 24, 2022
First decision: February 20, 2023
Revised: March 5, 2023
Accepted: April 19, 2023
Article in press: April 19, 2023
Published online: May 26, 2023
Malignant melanoma (MM) has shown an increasing incidence worldwide, and a potential to metastasize to almost any part of the body. Clinically, MM with bone metastasis as the initial manifestation is extremely rare. Spinal metastatic MM can cause spinal cord or nerve root compression, resulting in severe pain and paralysis. Currently, the primary clinical treatments for MM are surgical resection in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Here, we report the case of a 52-year-old male who presented to the clinic with progressive low back pain and limited nerve function. No primary lesion or spinal cord compression was detected from computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging of the lumbar vertebrae and positron emission tomography scan. A lumbar puncture biopsy confirmed the diagnosis of lumbar spine metastatic MM. Following surgical resection, the patient’s quality of life improved, symptoms were relieved, and comprehensive treatment was initiated, which prevented recurrence.
Spinal metastatic MM is clinically rare, and may cause neurological symptoms, including paraplegia. Currently, the clinical treatment plan consists of surgical resection in combination with chemotherapy, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy.
Core Tip: The worldwide incidence of malignant melanoma (MM) is increasing every year. MM is very aggressive and has the potential to metastasize to any part of the body. However, symptoms of spinal metastasis are rare in their initial manifestation. Here, we performed total vertebral body resection, three-dimensional printed artificial vertebral body reconstruction, and comprehensive treatment, including targeted therapy and chemotherapy, which effectively controlled the condition.