Rationale: Endobronchial melanoma metastases are rare, comprising 4.5% of all endobronchial metastases. They are diagnosed at a median time of 48 months from primary tumor presentation, and survival of these patients is poorer when accompanied by other metastatic sites or malignant pleural effusion. We present a case of endobronchial melanoma metastasis happening 40 years after the initial diagnosis. The need of adjuvant techniques in the diagnosis of this tumor is highlighted and a short review on this rare phenomenon is provided.
Patients concerns: An 83-year old nonsmoking woman, presented with dyspnea.
Diagnoses: Left lung atelectasis was found.
Interventions: Endobronchial resection of a tumor of the left main stem bronchus was achieved by rigid bronchoscopy under general anesthesia with complete reventilation of the left lung.
Outcomes: Histopathological, immunohistochemical and molecular diagnostics of the resected tumor led to a diagnosis of an endobronchial melanoma metastasis.
Lessons: Melanoma is a type of tumor that cannot be regarded as cured even after long disease-free periods, and thus, any new symptomatology in these patients warrants stringent work up.