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DOI: 10.1055/a-2753-9601
Aggressive Clinical Course and Malignant Transformation of a Meningeal Melanocytoma of the Pontomedullary Region: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications
Authors
Funding Information This research received no specific grant from funding agencies in the public, commercial, or not-for-profit sectors.
Abstract
Background
Primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare neoplasms that range from benign melanocytomas to aggressive malignant melanomas. Although meningeal melanocytomas are generally considered indolent lesions, malignant transformation and distant metastasis can occur.
Case Description
We report the case of a 33-year-old male with a bulbopontine meningeal melanocytoma who developed systemic metastases, culminating in a fatal outcome. Despite initial histopathologic features of benignity and absence of BRAF mutation, the lesion showed aggressive behavior.
Conclusion
This case underscores the diagnostic pitfalls associated with primary CNS melanocytic tumors and highlights the importance of long-term vigilance, even for histologically benign lesions.
Keywords
brainstem tumor - CNS melanoma - leptomeningeal tumors - malignant transformation - meningeal melanocytomaEthical Approval
This study was conducted in accordance with institutional ethical standards and the Declaration of Helsinki. Ethical approval was obtained from the local ethics committee of our institution following a formal review of the research protocol.
Informed Consent
Written informed consent was obtained from the patient's next of kin for publication of this case report and any accompanying images.
Note
M.A.I. is currently affiliated with Department of Pathology, Acibadem Mehmet Ali Aydinlar University Faculty of Medicine, Istanbul, Türkiye.
Publication History
Received: 14 June 2025
Accepted: 21 September 2025
Article published online:
03 December 2025
© 2025. The Author(s). This is an open access article published by Thieme under the terms of the Creative Commons Attribution License, permitting unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction so long as the original work is properly cited. (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/)
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