Primary malignant melanoma of the epiglottis: a rare presentation

Primary malignant melanoma of the epiglottis is extremely rare. Until now, only 4 cases have been reported in the world literature. We describe a new case of epiglottic primary malignant melanoma in a 74-year-old man who presented with hoarseness and a foreign-body sensation. Clinical examination revealed the presence of a small, whitish, polypoid tumor on the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis; no other primary melanoma was detected. Wide excision of the lesion was performed, and microscopy revealed that it contained melanin-pigmented tumor cells in both the mucosa and submucosa. Immunostaining was positive for S-100 protein. The patient was treated with radiotherapy, and he remained well 1 year after the diagnosis with no evidence of recurrence.