Metastatic melanoma presenting as a perforated small bowel.

Abstract

A rare cause of malignant small bowel tumor is presented. Malignant melanoma, most likely metastatic, was diagnosed during emergency laparotomy for acute peritonitis caused by a perforated small bowel tumor. This case report emphasizes the need for a careful work-up of "non-specific" abdominal symptoms in patients with a medical history of cutaneous malignant melanoma, even after years of tumor-free follow-up.