Abstract
A case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus, which is relatively rare, is reported. A 71 yr.-old male was admitted at our hospital with an approximately 3-week history of dysphagia, loss of body weight and anorexia. A barium meal and endoscopic examinations revealed a blackish tumor with an uneven surface located in the Im and Ei. A biopsy study showed a proliferation of tumor cells with dark brown pigment. Since no abnormal pigmentation was domonstrated in other mucosa of the gastrointestinal tract and skin, subtotal esophagectomy was done. The resected material revealed a large and blackish tumor, 7.5×4.5×1.5 cm in size, with partially brown-colored and uneven nodular surface in the Im and Ei. Histological examination showed junctional activity. In addition, melanosomes of various stages were demonstrated in the cytoplasm of the tumor cells electron microscopically. Thus, a diagnosis of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus was confirmed. A review of the literature on primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus revealed that 62 cases had been reported from 1960 to 1987 in Japan. An early diagnostic consideration including recent concepts on precancerous manifestation was also discussed.
