Primary malignant melanoma of esophagus: Report of four cases and review of the literatures

Objective: To investigate the clinical features and prognosis of the primary malignant melanoma of esophagus, to try to find out a rational therapy and to evaluate the value of surgical resection. Methods: Retrospective study was conducted for four cases with Primary malignant melanoma of esophagus hospitalized from May 1975 to April 1999. The relevant literatures of primary malignant melanoma of esophagus in recent years were also reviewed. Results: Four patients received multimodality therapy including surgical resection. The survival time is 16 years, 53 months, 5 months and 6 months, respectively. Conclusion: Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus has a poor prognosis. Surgical resection plays an important role and is indispensable. The patterns of combination treatment modality need further investigation. Preoperative therapy combined with surgical resection and post-operative therapy may be a better management.