Therapeutic options for meningeal melanocytoma

Meningeal melanocytomas are uncommon lesions. They are generally considered to be benign tumors that derive from leptomeningeal melanocytes. A rare case of a metastatic spinal meningeal melanocytoma is presented. All relevant cases reported in literature since 1972, when the term "meningeal melanocytoma" was first used, were reviewed. Rates of tumor recurrence from 1 to 5 years were calculated for this rare lesion, based on published data and on additional information obtained from personal contact with most of the authors. Recurrency rates of 47 patients suitable for evaluation were correlated with the different therapeutic approaches. Complete tumor resection alone and incomplete resection alone followed by irradiation appeared to be superior to incomplete resection alone in terms of disease-free survival. Statistical significance was achieved for complete tumor resection at follow up between 1 and 4 years (range p = 0.010-0.050) and for incomplete resection combined with radiotherapy after 2 years (p = 0.034). Complete tumor resection should be considered the best therapeutic option, followed by incomplete resection combined with postoperative radiotherapy.