Primary melanoma of the esophagus

A case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is described. Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is rare, reaching only 0.1% of all esophageal tumors. The differential diagnosis is often difficult: the clinical features are similar to those of squamous cell carcinoma and, because of its potentially widespread submucosal growth, the bioptic and/or cytologic examinations are frequently negative. The surgical approach with esophagectomy is actually the treatment of choice. However, the prognosis is poor with a 5-year survival of 4.2%.