Abstract
Metastatic neoplasms of the larynx and hypopharynx are very rare. This paper presents a case report of a 36-year old woman with malignant melanoma. The primary tumor was resected from her back 7 years before, and the first metastatic mass was removed from the right axilla 6 years before. She was refered to us for laryngeal discomfort. Examinations revealed a metastatic melanoma on the left side of the larynx and hypopharynx. Total laryngopharyngectomy, modified neck dissection and primary reconstruction with free jejunum graft were performed. No tumor cells were found at the resected margin. Pre-and postsurgical chemotherapy were employed. The patient has had no further recurrence for 7 months. The incidence, diagnostic evaluation, and management of metastatic melanoma of the head and neck were briefly reviewed and discussed. It was emphasized that a radical surgery followed by radiotherapy, chemotherapy and / or immunotherapy should be indicated, whenever possible, to metastatic melanomas of the head and neck region.
