Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus

The case of a 54-year-old man with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is described. The results of morphologic examination are presented, and the histogenesis of the tumor and the classification of melanomas are briefly discussed. Histologic examination suggested that this was a case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus arising from melanosis of the esophageal mucosa. Like melanomas from the oral mucosa, vagina, anus, and vulva, the tumor had lentiginous radial components.