Primary melanoma of urinary bladder

Abstract

The fourth case of primary melanoma of the bladder is presented together with a review of the previously reported cases and the relevant literature on malignant melanoma in urology. The criteria for classification of the bladder lesion as the primary site are discussed. The eighty-one-year-old female patient was felt not to be suitable for extensive surgery and was successfully treated with a combination of radiation and immunotherapy with recombinant alpha 2 interferon. After previous monthly recurrences of the tumor the patient is in complete remission fifteen months after initiation of therapy. It appears that this form of treatment might be a valuable alternative to radical surgery in elderly patients.