BACKGROUND: Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare cancer with a poor prognosis. It is often difficult to differentiate from non-epithelial malignant tumors, and immunohistochemical staining may be needed to diagnose the condition. The mainstay of treatment is usually surgical with curative or palliative intent, since radio- and chemotherapy do not really improve the outcome. The average survival rate after surgery is 34.5 months. At the time of diagnosis, 40–80% of cases have local regional lymph node metastases.

CASE REPORT: The case of a 67-year-old male patient with PMME is reported. He presented with progressive dysphagia. A computerized tomography was performed in which a polypoid mass was observed in the distal esophagus. It was originally suspected to be an adenocarcinoma, but was subsequently correctly diagnosed by immunohistochemical staining with HMB-45 antibody and by the presence of S-100 protein. A subtotal esophagectomy was performed.

CONCLUSIONS: Very few cases of PMME have been reported in the literature and there is only limited clinical experience with this disease. Therefore, it is very difficult to establish clear criteria for clinical recognition of this type of melanoma. Early histopathological confirmation of the character is essential for further treatment in case of confirmation of malignancy.

Keywords: Esophageal Neoplasms - therapy, Melanoma - therapy