Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: a case report

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is an uncommon tumor associated with a poor survival (5% at 5 years), even when resected at an early stage. Because its symptoms are no different from those of other malignant tumors of the esophagus, histopathologic examination is usually needed to reach a definitive diagnosis. A 57-year-old white nonsmoking nonalcoholic woman was referred to our department after 2 months of increasing dysphagia, odynophagia, and weight loss (5 kg in 2 months). Esophagogastroscopy revealed a dark blue, pediculated, polypoid lesion. Biopsies were taken. Endoscopic ultrasound showed a hyperechoic heterogeneous tumor. Barium esophagogram showed a filling defect of ~ 6 cm in the middle-low esophagus, and thoracic and abdominal computed tomography (CT) scan showed a well-delimited esophageal tumor with no clear lymph node enlargement. The pathology report described a proliferation of small spindle-shaped or stellate cells arranged in a spiral or fascicular structure. All tumor cells were intensively positive for immunoreaction, using HMB45 antimelanoma antibodies. To remove the tumor, distal esophagectomy through a double abdominal and thoracic approach was performed. No postoperative complications were reported and no chemo- or radiotherapy was given. The patients is still alive with no evidence of recurrence at 9 months after the operation.