OBJECTIVETo investigate the clinical features, diagnostic and therapeutic strategy of primary intraspinal melanocytoma.

METHODThe clinical data of primary intraspinal melanocytoma patients who underwent surgical operations from June 2011 to December 2014 in Department of Neurosurgery, Beijing Tiantan Hospital, Capital Medical University were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTSSix cases of intraspinal melanocytoma, identified with pathology were collected, including 5 male and 1 female patients with the average age of 39.8 years (range 23-50 years). Limbs anesthesia and weakness were present in 2 cases. Neck and back pain were present in 4 cases. All patients performed MRI examination before operation, and only 1 case was diagnosed as primary melanocytoma, and the others were confirmed by postoperative pathology. All cases were confirmed by the pathological examination. Total resection was achieved in 2 cases, subtotal resection was achieved in 2 cases, 2 disseminated cases only achieved partial resection. The average period of postoperative follow-up process was 25.7 months(range 9-52 months). One case recurred in 9 months after surgery and died in 16 months, one case recurred in 1 year after surgery, and the other 4 cases had no recurrence. The recurrenced 2 patients had been not treated with radiotherapy, 2 patients of the 4 that not recurrenced had received radiotherapy. All patients didn't receive chemotherapy. The other patients were in good condition after surgery.

CONCLUSIONSThe intraspinal primary melanocytoma is less likely to recurrence and metastasis if total resection is achieved. Diagnosis relies on pathology. Surgery is the first choice and early total resection is strongly recommend. Appropriate radiotherapy for partial resection cases can delay tumor recurrence.

Adult ; Female ; Humans ; Magnetic Resonance Imaging ; Male ; Melanoma ; Middle Aged ; Retrospective Studies ; Spinal Neoplasms ; Young Adult