An unusual case of congenital melanocytic nevus presenting as neurocutaneous melanoma coexisting with Tuberous Sclerosis complex: A case report

Congenital melanocytic nevi are among the several known risk factors for the development of melanoma. Neurocutaneous melanosis is a rare, congenital, non-hereditary disorder characterized by the presence of multiple and/or giant congenital melanocytic nevi. It is a rare condition, with fewer than 200 cases reported in the literature. Its association with tuberous sclerosis complex, a form of the neurocutaneous syndrome, is an unusual finding which, to the best of our knowledge, has not been documented in the English literature so far. Herein we present the first case documenting such an association in a 16-year-old post-pubertal Indian girl.

In this report, we describe the case of a 16-year-old Indian girl who presented to our hospital with swelling on the scalp which had progressed from the hairline to just above the left brow, causing mechanical ptosis. She was born with a black-pigmented triangular patch covered with hair over the scalp which had increased in size over a period of eight years after birth. An X-ray of her skull and ultrasonography revealed soft tissue swelling in the left temporofrontoparietal region. Magnetic resonance imaging of her brain showed the presence of 8.99 cm × 2.26 cm abnormal signal intensity involving the scalp, a few small tubers with cortical dysplasia in the left frontoparietal region with asymmetric dilatation, and the presence of calcified subependymal nodules within the left lateral ventricle. These findings were suggestive of tuberous sclerosis. A histopathological examination of the swelling was suggestive of congenital melanocytic nevi. The patient underwent surgery. Excision of the tumor with primary skin grafting was done, with the graft being taken from the medial aspect of the right thigh.

This case warrants further research to provide concrete evidence of an association of neurocutaneous melanoma with tuberous sclerosis complex. Research should be conducted to prove whether this is an unusual association or a new syndrome. Also, similar cases in other parts of the globe should be documented, as they would provide substantial support for such an association.