Primary malignant melanoma of the cervix

Overview

Melanoma of the cervix is a rare and aggressive neoplasia. About 60% of the cases already had clinical evidence of tumor beyond the cervix at the time of diagnosis2,3 and the 5-year survival rate decreases from 40% for Stage I to 14% for other stages.4 Due to the rarity of the primary melanoma of the cervix, the possibility of metastatic neoplasia coming from a melanoma at a different site, or which may have been treated several years before, must always be investigated. In some cases it is impossible to locate the primary site of the disease. The case described did not have a history of any other melanoma, the largest tumoral volume being in the uterine cervix and spreading to the vagina. Moreover, the lentiginous pigmented malignant neoplasia of the vagina, with its in situ melanoma and focus of superficial invasion, is conclusive as to its primary origin in the lower genital tract.

Symptoms

The list of signs and symptoms mentioned in various sources for Primary malignant melanoma of the cervix includes the 2 symptoms listed below:

  • Abnormal vaginal bleeding
  • Pelvic pain

Note that Primary malignant melanoma of the cervix symptoms usually refers to various symptoms known to a patient, but the phrase Primary malignant melanoma of the cervix signs may refer to those signs only noticable by a doctor.

Causes

Undifferentiated neoplasm composed of spindle-shaped cells containing mitotically active dark pleomorphic nuclei containing prominent nucleoli

Prevention

Thus, only by early detection via preventive gynecological examination and periodic cervical smears can the disease be detected in its early stages, which may contribute to an increase in survival time.

Diagnosis

Home medical testing related to Primary malignant melanoma of the cervix:

  • Colon & Rectal Cancer: Home Testing Home Colorectal Cancer Tests, Home Fecal Occult Bleeding Tests
  • Vaginal Health: Home Testing: Home Vaginal Infection Tests, Home Vaginal PH Tests, Home Yeast Infection Tests, Home Candida Kits, Home Urinary Tract Infection (UTI) Tests, Home Bladder Tests

The clinical history usually includes abnormal genital bleeding, and physical examination reveals an exophytic cervical mass, pigmented or otherwise, usually involving the vaginal fornices in more than 50% of the cases at the time of diagnosis. The malignant cells with their melanic pigment can be detected via the cervical smear. Diagnosis is confirmed by the histological examination and immunohistochemical staining.

Prognosis

Thus, only by early detection via preventive gynecological examination and periodic cervical smears can the disease be detected in its early stages, which may contribute to an increase in survival time.

Treatment

Management of such cases has included radical surgery, irradiation and immuno or chemotherapy, although even with good therapeutic results, the survival time is short.