Melanoma of unknown origin: A case series

Introduction: The natural history of metastatic melanoma involving lymph nodes, in the absence of a known primary site (cutaneous, ocular or mucosal) has, to date, been poorly defined; and the optimal management of this rare subtype of disease is therefore unclear. Melanomas of unknown primary site (MUP) are estimated to comprise between 3.7 and 6% of all melanomas (Anbari et al. in Cancer 79:1861-1821, 1997). Materials and methods: Between 2002 and 2007, 478 patients were treated for melanoma in our department in Cork University Hospital, five of whom presented with MUP. We discuss their cases herein. Conclusion: We should continue to treat this cohort of patients with an aggressive surgical approach and consider them for adjuvant therapies currently used to treat stage III disease.