Leptomeningeal Melanoma

Leptomeningeal Melanoma

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Kids' Zone
Diseases & Conditions
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Contributed byKrish Tangella MD, MBAOct 29, 2020

The topic Leptomeningeal Melanoma you are seeking is a synonym, or alternative name, or is closely related to the medical condition Meningeal Melanoma.

Quick Summary:

  • A brain tumor may be described as a mass of abnormally growing cells arising from the brain tissue (brain parenchyma and meninges) or the spinal cord (central spine). The brain along-with the spinal cord constitute the central nervous system (CNS) of the body
  • Broadly, brain tumors are classified as benign (non-cancerous) and malignant. Malignant tumors are cancerous and can spread or metastasize to other regions of the body. They generally exhibit rapid growth and, in some cases, may present symptoms during the early stages of development
  • The World Health Organization (WHO) classifies central nervous system tumors according to their grade and histological subtypes. A tumor subtype is determined by a pathologist after examining a tissue biopsy of the tumor under the microscope. This WHO classification system is used by healthcare professionals all over the world in diagnosing and treating these tumors
  • Meningeal Melanoma is an extremely uncommon tumor of the brain and/or spinal cord. According to WHO, it is classified as one of the four subtypes of primary CNS melanocytic tumors. Melanocytic tumors may be mostly described as high-grade malignancies, which exhibit aggressive behavior and grow rapidly. These tumors are known to infiltrate widely and destroy tissues, causing necrosis. They are also known to recur sooner following treatment
  • Meningeal Melanoma usually develop from the melanocytes (or pigmented cells) present within the subarachnoid space in the meninges. The tumor is mostly observed in middle-aged adults. Most of the tumors are highly-malignant, while some are not known to be very aggressive. They can occur anywhere within the meninges (in the CNS), but most are observed either at the posterior fossa (in the brain) or at the thoracic/ cervical region (in the spinal cord)
  • The cause of formation of Meningeal Melanoma is not well-established. Some tumors are known to be associated with a cutaneous genetic condition known as neurocutaneous melanocytosis. In general, the risk factors for CNS tumors may include the presence of certain genetic disorders, exposure to ionized radiation, viral infections, and head trauma smoke
  • The signs and symptoms of Meningeal Melanoma depend on the location of the tumor. Individuals may experience headaches, weakness in different parts of the body, convulsions, vision and speech disturbances. Spinal tumors may cause pain at the site of the tumor, weakness in upper and lower limbs, one-sided paralysis, and loss of bowel or bladder control. Complications associated with malignant tumors include metastasis to other organs of the body
  • The treatment modalities for Meningeal Melanoma may include a combination of surgery and radiation therapy; complete tumor removal with adjuvant radiotherapy or radiosurgery is normally practiced. The prognosis is determined by a wide variety of factors, such as age of the individual, tumor size, and overall health status. In most cases, the prognosis is reportedly unpredictable to poor; but, the course of the tumor may be varied, and some are known to respond well to treatment

Please find comprehensive information on Meningeal Melanoma regarding definition, distribution, risk factors, causes, signs & symptoms, diagnosis, complications, treatment, prevention, prognosis, and additional useful information HERE.

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Krish Tangella MD, MBA picture
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Krish Tangella MD, MBA

Pathology, Medical Editorial Board, DoveMed Team

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