Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Female Genital Tract: Unusual Localization

Introduction: Malignant melanoma, which has a highly malignant potential, is a tumor of the skin and mucosal membranes. Malignant melanomas of the female genital tract, including the vulva and vagina, are rare. Their overall prognosis is poor and is worse than that for cutaneous melanomas. Cases presentation: Clinical data for 3 patients with primary malignant melanoma are presented. Diagnosis was based on histologic and immunohistochemical examinations. Case 1 was a 45 year-old women with cervical polyp and excision revealed malignant melanoma. Case 2 was 46-year-old woman with cervical and vaginal melanoma and the third was a 64 year-old women with lentiginous melanoma of the clitoris. One patient was treated with surgery and adjuvant chemotherapy, and two patients received systemic chemotherapy. Conclusion: Although malignant melanoma of the female genital tract is uncommon, literature review shows that prognosis is poor than at other sites, most probably due to more advanced disease at diagnosis. This presentation highlights that early diagnosis by physicians at this relatively rare site is of crucial importance since it may result in improved outcome, similar to that of melanoma at more common sites.