Aim of the study

Large melanoma tumour caused arterial remodelling of the distal part of the great saphenous vein. The metastasis occurred at the site where inguinal lymphadenectomy was previously performed and the proximal part of the great saphenous vein was resected. The aim of this study is the presentation of such a rare observation and literature overview concerning melanoma metastasis and possible stimuli causing remodelling of veins.

Material and methods

Macroscopic and microscopic analyses of the large blood vessel that supplies melanoma were made. The size and structure of the blood vessel was compared with the regular great saphenous vein.

Results

The macroscopic examinations allowed us to ascertain that the blood vessel that was identified intraoperatively as the great saphenous vein, has a thick, stiff wall. The microscopic analysis allowed demonstrated that the tunica media was typical for a muscular artery morphology. The morphometric analysis revealed that the blood vessel wall in the area of metastatic tumour was much thicker than the wall of a regular great saphenous vein.

Conclusions

This malignant melanoma skin metastases caused the recanalisation of the great saphenous vein the lumen of which was obliterated during the initial surgical treatment. The metastatic tumour supplied by large blood vessels grew extensively and caused arterial remodelling of the venous wall.