Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is an exceedingly rare disease. This tumor is typically aggressive and disseminates early via the lymphatics and the bloodstream with a mean survival time between 10 and 15 months after radical surgical resection. The role of chemotherapy and immunotherapy is unclear. No treatment plan for the disease has yet been established. Case Report: A 78-year-old man came for a checkup with a medical history of reflux esophagitis and chronic gastritis. Esophagogastroscopy showed a bluishgray tumor of the esophagus, and histology revealed features consistent with malignant melanoma. The patient underwent total transhiatal esophagectomy with curative intention, and esophagogastric anastomosis was performed. Immunohistochemistry revealed tumor cells strongly positive for the melanoma-specific antigen HMB45 and protein S-100, and negative for cytokeratin. A proposed postoperative chemotherapy was declined by the patient. Nine months after surgery, the patient’s condition deteriorated, and a mediastinal lymph node conglomerate was found. Two months later, he died of bleeding into the cervical soft tissue. Conclusion: Up to date, radical surgical resection is the main treatment. Very little is known about the benefits of chemotherapy and immunotherapy. However, these therapeutic modalities may play an important role in the future.

2007
Copyright / Drug Dosage / Disclaimer
Copyright: All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be translated into other languages, reproduced or utilized in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, microcopying, or by any information storage and retrieval system, without permission in writing from the publisher.
Drug Dosage: The authors and the publisher have exerted every effort to ensure that drug selection and dosage set forth in this text are in accord with current recommendations and practice at the time of publication. However, in view of ongoing research, changes in government regulations, and the constant flow of information relating to drug therapy and drug reactions, the reader is urged to check the package insert for each drug for any changes in indications and dosage and for added warnings and precautions. This is particularly important when the recommended agent is a new and/or infrequently employed drug.
Disclaimer: The statements, opinions and data contained in this publication are solely those of the individual authors and contributors and not of the publishers and the editor(s). The appearance of advertisements or/and product references in the publication is not a warranty, endorsement, or approval of the products or services advertised or of their effectiveness, quality or safety. The publisher and the editor(s) disclaim responsibility for any injury to persons or property resulting from any ideas, methods, instructions or products referred to in the content or advertisements.
You do not currently have access to this content.