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. 2010 Apr;27(2):96-8.
doi: 10.4103/0970-2113.63615.

Unusual thoracic manifestation of metastatic malignant melanoma

K Manu Mohan  1 , K Gowrinath
Affiliations

Unusual thoracic manifestation of metastatic malignant melanoma

K Manu Mohan et al. Lung India. 2010 Apr.

Abstract

Massive pleural effusion due to metastatic malignant melanoma is rare. We report a case of bilateral (massive on left side) pleural effusion as a metastatic manifestation of cutaneous malignant melanoma. In our case, successful outcome of pleurodesis with vincristine is significant as this agent is rarely used.

Keywords: Malignant melanoma; pleural effusion; pleurodesis; vincristine.

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Conflict of interest statement

Conflict of Interest: None declared.

Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
Chest radiograph showing bilateral pleural effusion, massive on left side
Figure 2
Figure 2
Pleural fluid smear showing malignant cells, some of them containing melanin pigment in their cytoplasm. (Papaniculaou stain × 400). Inset showing melanin pigment staining positive with Fontana Masson's stain. (Fontana Masson's × 400)
Figure 3
Figure 3
Chest radiograph showing increase in the size of left upper lobe mass with underlying collapse and increased pleural effusion on right side as compared to the previous chest radiograph
See this image and copyright information in PMC

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