METASTATIC MALIGNANT MELANOMA IN THE BILE DUCT DIAGNOSED WITH BRUSH CYTOLOGY AND BIOPSY-A CASE REPORT-

Abstract

A 55-year-old man was referred to our hospital with elevation of the biliary duct enzymes in February 2006. Computed tomography images showed a tumor in the bile duct. The patient had a history of removal of the left little finger of his left hand due to a malignant melanoma in December 2004. Endoscopic retrograde cholangiography showed a movable defect in the bile duct. Biliary brushing cytology and a biopsy were performed. The histological findings revealed melanoma cells that were positive for HMB45 and Melan A. According to these findings, we made a diagnosis of recurrence of metastatic malignant melanoma in the common bile duct. We placed a plastic tube stent in his common bile duct, and he then underwent a pancreaticoduodenectomy. Multiple recurrences were noted one year after surgery, and the patient has undergone palliative care.