MALIGNANT MELANOMA OF BREAST: A RARE CLINICAL ENTITY

Abstract

The incidence of melanoma is very low in Asian country especially in Malaysia. Primary malignant melanoma of breast is even rarer, account for less than 5% of all melanomas. The breast can be a site for primary malignant melanomas arising from the overlying skin, primary non-cutaneous melanomas or metastatic lesions from other primary cutaneous sites. This paper aims to highlight our management strategy on manging a middle-aged woman with breast melanoma and raise awareness about this rare breast tumours. We present a case of 49 years old lady with primary malignant melanoma of the right breast. The patient presented to the clinic with a large palpable right breast lump extending to right axilla for almost 1 year. Otherwise, the physical examination shows no suspicious mole or skin lesions at the upper trunk or extremities as well as lower extremities. However, her final histopathology report from the core needle biopsy revealed a malignant melanoma of the breast. We review the relevant literature and a discussion regarding guidelines available for diagnosis, follow-up and surveillance of this rare case. The prognosis for patients with this rare tumour of the breast is somewhat poor. Early diagnosis, timely and precise comprehensive treatment, including surgical intervention, along with adjuvant therapy are the key procedures that may improve the patient survival rate.