Case report: Melanoma after kidney transplant (2004)

First kidney: Female recipient. 6 months postransplantation severe abdominal pain and vomiting.Haematological and biochemical investigations and abdominal X-ray were unremarkable, upper and lower gastrointestinal endoscopy were performed with no abnormalities visualized. In view of persistent symptoms a laparoscopy was performed which demonstrated numerous black plaques on the peritoneal surface of the abdominal wall and on the omentum. Multiple biopsies were taken and the histological examination was compatible with metastatic melanoma, no site of primary melanoma was identified. Patient´s clinical condition deteriorated rapidly and died before any treatment. Second kidney: male recipient, after identification of metastaic melanoma in the recipient of the partner kidney, recipient 2 was reevaluated without evidence of melanoma and was offered a nephrectomy but declined. At first annual review a pigmented lesion with irregular edge and variegated pigmentation was documented on his forehead.Excision of the lesion with an appropiate clear margin, and a new pigmented lesion on his nose and severe lesion over his scalp. After this nephrectomy, kidney with deposits of melanoma, multiple subcutaneous and renal bed deposits with aortocaval lymphadenopathy. Follow up:3 years after stable partial remission.