Multiple cutaneous melanoma metastases of an extremity resembling Kaposi's sarcoma: use of regional perfusion.

We report on a patient with primary cutaneous malignant melanoma, with numerous intransit metastases involving the left lower extremity. The clinical presentation was striking in that the intransit metastatic lesions of the skin had morphologic characteristics of Kaposi's sarcoma. Her disease was complicated by marked lower limb edema. Cutaneous ulceration did not develop despite the extensive tumor burden. Treatment with regional limb perfusion resulted in marked reduction of the edema and shrinkage of the tumor mass. In addition to presenting this case report and response to therapy, we would like to suggest the term "chronic melanoma of the extremity" (CME) as a descriptive term for this unusual variant of malignant melanoma.