PRIMARY CUTANEOUS MELANOMA: A COMPLICATION OF INFLIXIMAB TREATMENT?

Abstract

58-year-old male, presenting a circular heterogeneously pigmented lesion, 15mm in greatest diameter, located to the abdominal wall. The patient claimed to have this lesion for "over 30 years," which nevertheless, had "begun to grow" since 3 years. This lesion was submitted to surgical excision under local anesthesia, whose histological examination confirmed the clinical diagnosis of malignant melanoma with 0.65 mm thick. The patient suffered from ulcerative colitis, and had started because of failure of prior therapy (5-ASA, corticosteroids, azathioprine) treatment with infliximab 5mg/kg intravenous 3 years ago. After the diagnosis of malignant melanoma a widening excision was performed and contact with the assistant Gastroenterologist was established, with infliximab therapy being suspended.

Conclusion: Our case highlights the need for a complete dermatological observation before the start of anti-TNF-α as well as consultations for regular follow-up.