Metastatic melanoma without clinically evident primary tumor

The purpose of the study was to systematize the data available in the modern literature on the diagnosis and treatment of metastatic melanoma without clinically evident primary tumor. Materials and methods. The results of laboratory-instrumental diagnostics, surgical and drug treatment presented in randomized clinical trials, published over the past 10 years in Medline, Embase and the Cochrane Library were analyzed. Results. Despite continuous improvement in imaging techniques, melanoma accounts for up to 12.6 % of all cases of metastatic cancer with an unknown primary site. Metastatic melanoma without clinical evidence of primary tumor accounts for approximately 1% to 8% of all melanoma cases. Conclusion. Metastatic melanoma without clinically evident primary tumor has not been extensively studied. Until now, only a few reports on metastatic melanoma without clinically evident primary tumor have been available. Therefore, further prospective studies of clinical course and optimization of diagnosis and treatment of patients with metastatic melanoma without clinically evident primary tumor are needed.