JOURNAL DE NEUROCHIRURGIE
Volume 14, Numéro 1, Pages 52-57
2018-06-15

A Case Report Of Uncommon Localization Of Primary Malignant Extra-dural And Intradural Extra-medullary Melanoma Of The 8th Cervical Spinal Nerve Root

Authors : Djoulane Karim .

Abstract

Primary spinal melanoma is a rare lesion, which occurs throughout the cranial and spinal regions, however, is primarily observed in the cervical spine.we report on a case of an uncommon localization of primary malignant extra-dural and intradural extra-medullary melanoma of the 8th cervical spinal nerve root which developed in a 27-year man who complained of pain in the lower cervical spine, with left upper extremity tingling sensation. Neuro-radiological features of this extra-dural mass were suggestive of a nerve sheath tumor. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of cervical spine showed a lesion in extra-dural and intradural extra-medullary mass who were suggestive of a nerve sheath tumor but the histological examination confirmed the histological nature of primary malignant extra-dural and intradural extra-medullary melanoma. The resection was complete using a standard posterior midline approach, which was followed by chemotherapy.and the course has been satisfactory after 06 months follow-up. Subsequent to the surgery, the patient was discharged with improved motor capacity and a follow-up MRI scan showed no recurrence after six months. The present study demonstrates that it is critical for neurosurgeons to focus on increasing the accuracy of initial diagnoses in order to make informed decisions regarding the requirement for surgical resection. There are no evidencebased guidelines regarding primary spinal melanoma, for example specific incidence, treatment or prognosis guidelines.

Keywords

Primary malignant melanoma, Spinal cord tumor, Nerve root, Extra-dural and intradural extra-medullary melanoma, MRI.