Melanoma of the brain (on the head)
Melanoma cells can be round or cubic in shape. They are called epithelium-like. Elongated cells are spindle-shaped. Various neoplasms are composed of special epithelial-like elements that belong to common epithelial cell melanomas. The structure of pigment cells is directly related to the spread of tumor formations. Metastasis is hematogenous if melanocytes are detected inside the lumens of the vessels.
In the case when melanoma is based on fusiform cells, the tumor in the lumen is not detected. Quite rarely, such cells can be found in the lymph nodes. The main distribution of pigment tumor cells inside the brain is carried out through the cerebrospinal fluid spaces and through the vessels. Melanomas metastasize along subarachnoid fissures.
It has been proved that from typical subarachnoid spaces the presented tumor easily spreads through any Virchowroben spaces, significantly expanding them. At the same time, in many parts of the brain, the neoplasm stretches the gliosis membranes, squeezing the lumens of the vessels, spreading along the perivascular fissures. Often, such a tumor is capable of breaking through the gliosis membranes, infiltrating in this case the medulla.
The presented type of metastasis is often observed with serious lesions of the meninges of the brain with melanomas. Primary and metastatic types can be distinguished among pigmented neoplasms. There are also three groups of common pigmented brain tumors, depending on the nature and location of the initial growth of melanomas. The first group includes primary brain melanomas, which arise from chromatophores, which are special pigment-forming cells of the soft membranes of the brain.
The second group of these melanomas is characterized by obvious malformations of the brain, which can affect other organs. As a rule, a tumor arises from undifferentiated elements of a unique neuroectodermal nature. It is no coincidence that they have still retained the ability to instantly form melanin. The third group is the most numerous. It includes metastatic melanomas.
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Among the main melanomas of the central nervous system, primary and metastatic tumors are distinguished. Two typical forms can be attributed to primary pigmented neoplasms - primary diffuse melanoblastomatosis and nodular melanomas. Pigmented tumors of the central nervous system can be divided into primary malignant melanomas, secondary malignant melanomas, and melanin-containing varieties of various intracranial tumors. Which are characterized by medulloblastomas and meningeomas.
For metastatic melanomas, a special classification is provided. Solitary nodules, miliary and multiple metastases, as well as dangerous metastases to the soft and hard layers of the brain are considered their main forms. Moreover, for modern clinicians, it is of no small importance to accurately determine the number of all tumor nodes in the brain, as well as their localization and size.
In melanomas of the brain, certain cells produce a special pigment called melanin, which in many cases is dark in color. These cells in the embryonic period are able to migrate throughout the human body, including the cells of the skin, eyes and central nervous system. About 7 people per 100 thousand fall ill with melanoma of the brain every year.
Such a serious disease is characterized by an increased mortality rate. Melanoma of the brain occurs equally in women and men. Typically, these are people between the ages of 30 and 55. Before sexual development, such ailment practically does not develop. Due to the deterioration of the environment, causing genetic damage, the number of sick people is growing steadily.
A standardized approach in the modern diagnosis of cerebral melanoma includes, in addition to collecting anamnesis and examining the patient. Various laboratory and X-ray examinations, as well as computed tomography and radioisotope examination of the brain.
Early detection of dangerous malignant head melanoma significantly increases the chances of recovery. As a rule, many patients complain of severe headaches, dizziness and fainting. Giant nevi in the scalp practically do not cause discomfort and are rarely subject to mourning.
Excision of the primary tumor with the existing invasion, as well as excision of the head tumor are considered adequate methods of treatment. Prophylactic dissection of all lymph nodes is also indicated.
Article author: Mochalov Pavel Alexandrovich | d. m. n. therapist
Education: Moscow Medical Institute. IM Sechenov, specialty - "General Medicine" in 1991, in 1993 "Occupational Diseases", in 1996 "Therapy".
