Metastatic malignant melanoma to the bladder: a case series.

BACKGROUND Metastatic melanoma to the bladder is rarely reported, and the role of surgery is still largely unknown. We review 4 such cases and highlight their management and outcomes. We also review the relevant literature. METHODS The Mayo Clinic tumor database was searched and 4 such cases were found. RESULTS All 4 patients were treated locally with transurethral resection. The only patient who had a solitary metastasis did relatively well, having no evidence of disease 10 months after his presentation, while the other 3 died within 6 months. The literature highlights various approaches to management, but there is no definitive evidence that radical cystectomy offers any benefit over transurethral resection. CONCLUSION Resection may improve survival in the setting of a solitary metastasis, but there is no evidence that radical cystectomy offers any benefit over local resection. With diffuse disease, however, resection is likely only beneficial for treatment of hematuria.