PRIMARY SPINAL MELANOMA - CASE-REPORT

We report a case of primary melanoma of the thoracic spinal cord revea led by progressive bilateral lower extremity weakness associated with sensory loss and urinary dysfunction. The preoperative MRI: revealed a n intramedullary tumour from T7 to T9. Treatment was by complete surgi cal excision without radiotherapy. Histopathology and immuno-histochem ical studies confirmed the diagnosis. The postoperative course was sat isfactory with no sign of recurrence after 28 months of postsurgical f ollow-up. Primary spinal melanomas are rare intramedullary rumours tha t can be cured by appropriate surgical treatment.