Primary Melanocytic Tumor of the Olfactory Groove Presenting as Foster Kennedy Syndrome: A Case Report and Literature Review

Abstract Background: Brain metastases from cutaneous melanomas are relatively common (60% of cases); however, primary melanocytic tumors (PMNST) are quite rare, accounting for less than 0.1% of all tumors affecting the central nervous system (CNS), which contributes to the existence of a pattern capable of readily recognizing these neoplasms. Case Description: This study reports the case of a patient with intracranial hypertension, seizures, visual alterations, and anosmia (Foster Kennedy syndrome) caused by an expansive mass located in the mesial frontal pole. Conclusion: The clinical and topographic characteristics, imaging studies, surgical findings, and pathological anatomy were indicative of PMNST, prompting this publication to contribute to the better characterization of these rare lesions in the daily practice of neurosurgeons and oncologists, so that they can be considered as a differential diagnosis when dealing with intracranial tumors with uncharacteristic presentations.