Location
Moultrie, GA
Start Date
17-4-2026 12:00 PM
End Date
17-4-2026 1:00 PM
Description
Introduction
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high propensity for hematogenous metastasis, frequently involving highly vascular organs such as the lungs and liver. Histopathologic evaluation remains essential for distinguishing true metastatic spread from secondary organ injury due to systemic disease. This study compares organ-specific histological findings in two cadavers with documented malignant melanoma to evaluate patterns of metastatic involvement and associated tissue pathology.
Methods
Tissue samples from the lung, kidney, and liver were obtained from two cadavers: cadaver 10 (50-year-old White male with malignant melanoma) and cadaver 12 (77-year-old White male with malignant melanoma of the left lower limb and coronary artery disease). Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined at 100× and 200× final magnification. Histological features were assessed for evidence of metastatic infiltration and secondary structural changes.
Results
Both cadavers demonstrated metastatic involvement of the lungs, characterized by infiltrating neoplastic, pleomorphic, malignant cells with enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei within the pulmonary tissue. In cadaver 12, additional pulmonary findings included areas of marked redness consistent with blood accumulation within alveolar spaces. This appearance suggests pulmonary congestion and possible edema, which may be associated with underlying coronary artery disease and vascular compromise. The presence of vascular destruction secondary to metastatic tumor infiltration may have further contributed to hemorrhage and congestion.
Renal findings differed between specimens. Cadaver 10 exhibited glomerular atrophy with a shrunken glomerular tuft, widened Bowman’s space, and surrounding tubular atrophy without evidence of metastatic disease. In contrast, cadaver 12 demonstrated preserved glomeruli with swollen and atrophic tubules consistent with acute tubular injury, suggesting systemic hypoperfusion rather than direct tumor spread.
Hepatic findings in both cadavers showed vascular congestion without apparent metastatic infiltration. Cadaver 10 demonstrated dilated and congested hepatic sinusoids with red blood cell extravasation consistent with lobular hemorrhage. Cadaver 12 revealed congested sinusoids containing coarse golden-brown hemosiderin pigment, indicating extravasation of red blood cells.
Discussion
This comparative analysis identifies the lung as the primary site of metastatic involvement in both cadavers with malignant melanoma, demonstrated by infiltrating pleomorphic malignant cells with hyperchromatic nuclei. In contrast, the kidney and liver in both specimens lacked definitive metastatic infiltration and instead showed changes consistent with secondary structural or vascular injury.
Although cadaver 12 demonstrated additional pulmonary congestion and blood accumulation, these findings are likely influenced by underlying coronary artery disease rather than representing a difference in metastatic distribution. Overall, these findings support the lung as a common site of metastatic spread in malignant melanoma and highlight the importance of histological evaluation in distinguishing true metastatic spread from secondary organ changes.
Embargo Period
5-28-2026
Included in
Organ-Specific Patterns of Metastatic Spread in Malignant Melanoma: A Comparative Study of Cadaveric Specimens
Moultrie, GA
Introduction
Malignant melanoma is an aggressive malignancy with a high propensity for hematogenous metastasis, frequently involving highly vascular organs such as the lungs and liver. Histopathologic evaluation remains essential for distinguishing true metastatic spread from secondary organ injury due to systemic disease. This study compares organ-specific histological findings in two cadavers with documented malignant melanoma to evaluate patterns of metastatic involvement and associated tissue pathology.
Methods
Tissue samples from the lung, kidney, and liver were obtained from two cadavers: cadaver 10 (50-year-old White male with malignant melanoma) and cadaver 12 (77-year-old White male with malignant melanoma of the left lower limb and coronary artery disease). Sections were stained with hematoxylin and eosin and examined at 100× and 200× final magnification. Histological features were assessed for evidence of metastatic infiltration and secondary structural changes.
Results
Both cadavers demonstrated metastatic involvement of the lungs, characterized by infiltrating neoplastic, pleomorphic, malignant cells with enlarged, hyperchromatic nuclei within the pulmonary tissue. In cadaver 12, additional pulmonary findings included areas of marked redness consistent with blood accumulation within alveolar spaces. This appearance suggests pulmonary congestion and possible edema, which may be associated with underlying coronary artery disease and vascular compromise. The presence of vascular destruction secondary to metastatic tumor infiltration may have further contributed to hemorrhage and congestion.
Renal findings differed between specimens. Cadaver 10 exhibited glomerular atrophy with a shrunken glomerular tuft, widened Bowman’s space, and surrounding tubular atrophy without evidence of metastatic disease. In contrast, cadaver 12 demonstrated preserved glomeruli with swollen and atrophic tubules consistent with acute tubular injury, suggesting systemic hypoperfusion rather than direct tumor spread.
Hepatic findings in both cadavers showed vascular congestion without apparent metastatic infiltration. Cadaver 10 demonstrated dilated and congested hepatic sinusoids with red blood cell extravasation consistent with lobular hemorrhage. Cadaver 12 revealed congested sinusoids containing coarse golden-brown hemosiderin pigment, indicating extravasation of red blood cells.
Discussion
This comparative analysis identifies the lung as the primary site of metastatic involvement in both cadavers with malignant melanoma, demonstrated by infiltrating pleomorphic malignant cells with hyperchromatic nuclei. In contrast, the kidney and liver in both specimens lacked definitive metastatic infiltration and instead showed changes consistent with secondary structural or vascular injury.
Although cadaver 12 demonstrated additional pulmonary congestion and blood accumulation, these findings are likely influenced by underlying coronary artery disease rather than representing a difference in metastatic distribution. Overall, these findings support the lung as a common site of metastatic spread in malignant melanoma and highlight the importance of histological evaluation in distinguishing true metastatic spread from secondary organ changes.