A Rare Incident of Metastatic Melanoma in the Gallbladder: A Case Report

Abstract

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, developing from cells known as melanocytes. It is more aggressive, with a higher tendency to grow locally and metastasize to distant areas. Melanoma has the potential to spread to various sites, including subcutaneous tissue, lymph nodes, lungs, liver, bones, and brain. Metastatic involvement of the gallbladder is sporadic, and in living patients, this condition is rarely documented because it often presents without symptoms. While early-stage melanoma has a high cure rate when detected and treated promptly, advanced melanoma presents significant challenges due to its propensity for metastasis and resistance to traditional therapies. The primary treatment is surgical resection with clear margins, and adjuvant therapies may be used to lower the risk of recurrence. Chemotherapy is less commonly used for melanoma due to its limited effectiveness. In recent years, the emergence of novel therapies, such as immune checkpoint inhibitors and targeted therapies, has revolutionized the management of metastatic melanoma.