Microsurgical treatment for malignant intracranial melanomas: 2 case reports and review of the literature

Abstract

Primary malignant intracranial melanomas are rare tumors of the central nervous system, while the secondary or brain metastatic melanomas are among the top three brain metastatic lesions. These tumors are highly malignant and are associated with poor prognosis. The neurosurgeons have struggled with the diagnosis and treatment of these tumors. In this report, we retrospectively analyzed the clinical features, imaging findings, pathological features and prognoses of two patients who were diagnosed as having malignant intracranial melanomas. In addition, we reviewed the literature regarding diagnostic and therapeutic strategies for treating these unusual malignant lesions.