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Metastatic melanoma to brain

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

Past history of melanoma, now presents with confusion and drowsiness ? melanoma metastases

Patient Data

Age: 85 years
Gender: Male

Multiple hyperdense mass lesions throughout the brain.  Most do not have surrounding vasogenic edema but some do as is typical of metastases.

Case Discussion

Hyperdense metastases to the brain are unusual and include the primary sites of lung, breast, GI tract and melanoma as in this case.  The density in melanoma is either due to blood product (hemorrhagic mets) or the melanin itself.  Calcifaction can also cause increased density in metastases including post radiotherapy.

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