Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 25, 2025

Modeling Oral-Esophageal Squamous Cell Carcinoma in 3D Organoids
Published on: December 23, 2022
Esophageal Melanocytosis
Samikshya Thapa1, Gajendra Kumar Yadav1, Ratna Mondal1
1All India Institute of Medical Sciences, Department of Pathology & Laboratory Medicine, Rishikesh, Uttarakhand, India.
Abstract:
Esophageal melanocytosis is a rare entity defined by the proliferation of a melanocytic basal layer of the esophageal squamous lining and deposition of melanin in the esophageal mucosa. Esophageal melanocytosis is considered a benign entity of unknown etiology; however, it has been reported as a melanoma precursor. We report a case of esophageal melanocytosis in a diabetic and hypertensive 67-year-old male with recurrent dizziness and syncope for the past 6 months. Given his complaint of dyspepsia, he underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, in which an esophageal biopsy revealed the diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis. The definitive diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis can only be made by histological analysis. The histologic differential diagnoses include melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. Therefore, they need to be ruled out.
Related Concept Videos
Barrett Esophagus-I: Introduction
This constant acid exposure transforms the esophagus's pink mucosal lining (stratified squamous epithelium) into a type of lining more...
Esophageal Strictures-I: Introduction
Etiology
The primary cause of esophageal strictures is long-standing gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), accounting for about 70 to 80% of adult cases. Chronic acid reflux can lead to injury and scarring of the esophageal lining, culminating in...
Esophageal Varices-II: Clinical Features and Management
In the initial assessment, a thorough review of the patient's medical history is vital to identify risk factors such as liver disease, alcohol...
Barrett Esophagus-II: Clinical Manifestations and Management
To diagnose Barrett's esophagus, healthcare providers often recommend an endoscopy for those showing symptoms of acid reflux. The procedure...
Skin Cancer
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
Esophageal Varices-I: Introduction

