Melanocytic colonization of a meningothelial meningioma: histopathological and ultrastructural findings with immunohistochemical and genetic correlation: case report

Neurosurgery. 2003 Jul;53(1):211-4; discussion 214-5. doi: 10.1227/01.neu.0000068990.79680.f6.

Abstract

Objective and importance: Melanocytic colonization of nonpigmented extracranial tumors has been reported in adenocarcinomas, squamous cell carcinomas, skin appendage tumors, and dermatofibrosarcoma protuberans. To our knowledge, melanocytic colonization of a meningioma has not previously been described.

Clinical presentation: We report an unusual case of a 70-year-old African-American woman who presented with a large frontoparietal meningioma that extended through the calvarium.

Intervention: Craniotomy with gross total resection of the tumor was performed. Histochemistry, immunocytochemistry, ultrastructural analysis, and molecular genetic study via fluorescence in situ hybridization confirmed melanocytic colonization of a meningothelial meningioma.

Conclusion: With the inclusion of meningothelial meningioma, the spectrum of tumors affected by melanocytic colonization continues to expand.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Female
  • Humans
  • Melanocytes / pathology*
  • Melanocytes / ultrastructure*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / genetics
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / pathology*
  • Meningeal Neoplasms / ultrastructure*
  • Meningioma / genetics
  • Meningioma / pathology*
  • Meningioma / ultrastructure*