Melanomas are tumors that originate from melanocyte cells derived from the neural crest.
Primary Mucosal Melanomas represent only 1.7–3% of all primary melanomas. Sinonasal
Mucosal Melanoma represents 4% of malignancies of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses,
with the nasal cavity most involved. These tumors have non-specific presentation which results
in delay of diagnosis. Surgical resection with clear margins is the primary treatment option,
however positive margins and distant metastasis affect overall survival and prognosis. This
report presents a case of a 67-year old female presenting with a 1-year history of recurrent right
sided epistaxis and nasal obstruction. Endoscopy showed a friable hyperpigmented mass
occupying the cavity. Computed tomography of the paranasal sinuses revealed a mixed density
mass occupying the right nasal cavity with opacification of the ipsilateral maxillary and ethmoid
sinuses. Immunohistochemical staining of the biopsied mass was positive for S100 and Negative
for p40 and Pancytokeratin consistent with Malignant Melanoma. Patient underwent Endoscopic
excision of the intranasal mass and is co-managed with Oncology Department. |