Multinodular goiter and primary hyperparathyroidism: a circuitous route to diagnosing metastatic uveal melanoma

Endocr Pathol. 2008 Winter;19(4):294-8. doi: 10.1007/s12022-008-9041-3.

Abstract

Uveal melanoma spreads exclusively via a hematogenous route and is notable for its latency. Liver metastases are common; however, metastatic spread to unusual sites has been encountered. We report the case of metastatic uveal melanoma in a woman with multinodular goiter and primary hyperparathyroidism. The patient presented with hypercalcemia and an elevated intact parathyroid hormone level, in conjunction with a follicular neoplasm in the setting of goiter. She underwent an uneventful total thyroidectomy and parathyroidectomy. Postoperatively, she became normocalcemic. Histopathologic analyses revealed metastatic uveal melanoma cells within both the multinodular goiter and parathyroid adenoma. At present, she is enrolled in a phase II trial for disseminated uveal melanoma. This is a report of uveal melanoma metastatic to both a parathyroid adenoma and a nodular hyperplastic thyroid. Additionally, this case serves to display the unusual metastatic potential of uveal melanoma.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adenoma / metabolism
  • Adenoma / pathology*
  • Aged
  • Biomarkers, Tumor / metabolism
  • Diagnosis, Differential
  • Female
  • Goiter / etiology
  • Goiter / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / etiology
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / metabolism
  • Hyperparathyroidism, Primary / pathology*
  • Melanoma / complications
  • Melanoma / metabolism
  • Melanoma / secondary*
  • Neoplasms, Second Primary / pathology*
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Parathyroid Neoplasms / secondary*
  • Parathyroidectomy
  • Thyroidectomy
  • Uveal Neoplasms / complications
  • Uveal Neoplasms / metabolism
  • Uveal Neoplasms / pathology*

Substances

  • Biomarkers, Tumor