Resection of primary malignant lung melanoma: a case report

Abstract

A 74-year-old man presented with chest pain and high-grade fever. Chest radiography revealed a consolidation in the right lower lung lobe, and computed tomography demonstrated atelectasis and infiltration of the right lower lobe, with pleural effusion. Bronchoscopy revealed a tumor occluding the inlet of the lateral/posterior basal segmental bronchus of the right lung, but bronchoscopic biopsy did not lead to a definitive diagnosis. Considering the possibility of obstructive pneumonia and pleuritis, we performed a right lower lobectomy, decortication, and pleuroclysis. Pathological examination revealed a malignant melanoma. The clinical and pathological findings suggested primary malignant melanoma of the lung.