Case Report and Literature Review of Giant Cutaneous Malignant Melanoma: What's Keeping Patients Away?

Abstract

Background. Giant cutaneous malignant melanoma (MM) is a term that has previously been used to define lesions that are at least 10 cm in diameter or 48 mm in thickness. Such tumours are rare. There is no substantial body of evidence considering why patients may delay presentation with MM until they reach this size. This case report presents one of the largest cases of giant cutaneous MM to date and the first in the literature to show excellent response to adjuvant immunotherapy. The patient was treated successfully and remains alive and well 12 months following initial surgery. A review of the literature discussing giant MM identified a significant need for education on the importance of seeking medical attention in order to prevent advanced disease, especially for vulnerable individuals.