Case report

Nodular melanoma presenting with rapid progression and widespread metastases: a case report

Mehmet Ali Erkurt¹ , Ismet Aydogdu¹ , Irfan Kuku¹ , Emin Kaya¹ and Yalcin Basaran²

¹  Inonu University Faculty of Medicine, Department of Hematology, Turgut Ozal Medical Center, TR-44069 Malatya, Turkey

²  Gulhane Military Medical Academy, Department of Internal Medicine, Ankara, Turkey

author email corresponding author email

Journal of Medical Case Reports 2009, 3:50doi:10.1186/1752-1947-3-50

Published:	6 February 2009

Abstract

Introduction

Melanoma is responsible for 1% to 2% of all cancer deaths around the world. Nodular melanoma often carries a poor prognosis because of no prodromal radial growth phase, early distant metastasis and significant tumor volume.

Case presentation

We present a case of progressive melanoma. A 51-year-old man was admitted to our hospital with dyspnea and skin lesions. These were multiple, dark colored, firm, and nodular and varied in size. He was diagnosed with melanoma. Temozolomide was administered, but he died of respiratory failure within a week after diagnosis.

Conclusion

Nodular melanoma tends to spread rapidly and eventually metastasize to vital organs. It may be fatal within months of recognition.