[Malignant melanoma of the vagina. Two case reports. Review of the literature].

OBJECTIVE

Report the diagnosis and therapeutic approach in two cases of primary malignant melanoma of the vagina.

RESULTS

Malignant melanoma is rarely localized in the vagina, resulting from the malignant transformation of an ectopic melanocyte during menopause. The clinical diagnosis is often made in an advanced stage with a variable degree of pigmentation, usually on the anterior aspect of the vagina. Surgical exeresis should be extensive with a 1-cm safety margin. Radiotherapy may be effective as a complementary treatment for limited surgery or as first intention therapy aimed as improving local control before surgery.

CONCLUSION

Locoregional relapse occurs in 60% of the cases, emphasizing the importance of local treatment. The prognosis is unfavourable with a 23 month mean survival. Total survival at 5 years is only 17%.