Malignant Melanoma in cervical cytology

Case Review

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is an aggressive neoplasm that mainly affects the skin but can also occur in rarer organs such as the female genital tract, where the vagina is a low-incidence area. This type of melanoma has a poor prognosis, with a 5-year survival rate below 30%. The clinical case presented, refers to an 80-year-old woman with symptoms of pruritus and dysuria, diagnosed with vulvar melanoma in situ. Biopsies confirmed the diagnosis, and after two years, a new cervical-vaginal cytology showed malignant cells, confirming disease progression. This was achieved through standard routine stains such as Papanicolaou and hematoxylin and eosin, together with ancillary techniques such as immunohistochemistry and histochemistry. This case exemplifies the aggressive and rapidly developing nature of vulvar-vaginal melanoma, a rare and difficult-to-diagnose condition. Treatment is not standardized and depends on the stage of disease. While the prognosis is generally unfavorable, especially in advanced stages, genetic therapies and immunotherapies are emerging as promising alternatives, requiring further research to improve survival rates and reduce recurrence. Understanding the risk factors and biology of vulvar-vaginal melanoma is crucial for advances in treatment and prognosis of this rare pathology.