Primary malignant melanoma of the lung: A case report and literature review

RATIONALE: Primary malignant melanoma of the lung (PMML) is an extremely rare neoplasm with a dismal prognosis. The diagnosis of PMML is very difficult and is based on several clinical, radiological, and histopathological criteria. PATIENT CONCERNS: A 61-year-old women was admitted with a 2-month history of a productive cough and chest pain provoked by breathing and coughing. Computed tomography (CT) scans of the chest showed a large, solid tumor in the right middle lobe of the lung. Puncture biopsy of the right lung lesion was performed using B-ultrasound guidance, and immunohistochemical tests were performed. DIAGNOSES: The diagnosis of PMML was histopathologically confirmed by puncture biopsy with B-ultrasound guidance of the right lung lesion. INTERVENTIONS: The patient refused to receive surgery, adjuvant chemotherapy, or radiation therapy. OUTCOMES: The patient died 6 months after the diagnosis. LESSONS: The clinical manifestation and imaging features of PMML are not specific, and it does not differ from the more common primary bronchogenic carcinoma. In addition, it cannot be discriminated from other forms of primary melanoma according to its histology and immunohistochemistry. The treatment of choice is an aggressive surgical approach, combined with radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy.