Aggressive Clinical Course and Malignant Transformation of a Meningeal Melanocytoma of the Pontomedullary Region: Diagnostic and Therapeutic Implications.

BACKGROUND

Primary melanocytic tumors of the central nervous system (CNS) are rare neoplasms that range from benign melanocytomas to aggressive malignant melanomas. Although meningeal melanocytomas are generally considered indolent lesions, malignant transformation and distant metastasis can occur.

CASE DESCRIPTION: We report the case of a 33-year-old male with a bulbopontine meningeal melanocytoma who developed systemic metastases, culminating in a fatal outcome. Despite initial histopathologic features of benignity and absence of BRAF mutation, the lesion showed aggressive behavior.

CONCLUSION

This case underscores the diagnostic pitfalls associated with primary CNS melanocytic tumors and highlights the importance of long-term vigilance, even for histologically benign lesions.