Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with multiple esophageal lesions

The Thousand Faces of Malignant Melanoma: A Systematic Review of the Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus

Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus (PMME) is an extremely rare cancer of the esophagus, accounting for 0.1−0.8% of all oro-esophageal cancers and <0.05% of all melanoma subtypes, with an estimated incidence of 0.0036 cases per million/year. We conduct a careful analysis of the literature starting from 1906 to the beginning of 2022, searching the PubMed, Science.gov, Scopus and Web of Science (WoS) databases. A total of 457 records were initially identified in the literature search, of which 17 were duplicates. After screening for eligibility and inclusion criteria, 303 publications were ultimately included, related to 347 patients with PMME. PMME represents a very rare entity whose very existence has been the subject of debate for a long time. Over time, an increasing number of cases have been reported in the literature, leading to an increase in knowledge and laying the foundations for a discussion on the treatment of this pathology, which still remains largely represented by surgery. In recent times, the possibility of discovering greater mutations in gene hotspots has made it possible to develop new therapeutic strategies of which nivolumab is an example. Future studies with large case series, with clinicopathological and molecular data, will be necessary to improve the outcome of patients with PMME.

A Resected Case of Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus—Early Detection of Recurrence by FDG-PET/CT

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare, aggressive, therapy-resistant malignant tumor arising from esophageal mucosal melanocytes. It has been reported that fluorodeoxyglucose-positron emission tomography/computed tomography (FDG-PET/CT) has a clinical impact on PMME diagnosis; however, it remains unclear whether postoperative surveillance using FDG-PET/CT is useful for PMME patients. In this case study, FDG-PET/CT detected the recurrent tumors in their early stage after a curative resection of PMME. We report on a case of a 67-year-old Japanese male admitted to our hospital for the evaluation of polypoid tumors of the esophagogastric junction, which were diagnosed as PMME. He was treated with a curative resection by esophagectomy and 6 cycles of adjuvant chemotherapy of DAV (dacarbazine, nimustine, and vincristine). However, the PMME recurred 26 months after the surgery when surveillance FDG-PET/CT detected the recurrent tumors in their early stage. FDG-PET/CT may be useful to detect recurrence in the postoperative surveillance phase for PMME patients.

Primary esophageal melanoma: report of a case

INTRODUCTION

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare tumor representing only 0.1-0.2% of esophageal malignancies. The goal of the study was to report on the management of a new case diagnosed and treated in our site.

CASE REPORT

A 67-year-old patient presented with dysphagia to solids with no other remarkable history or associated skin lesions. He underwent gastroscopy, which revealed a polypoid mass suggestive of neoplasm in the distal third of the esophagus. Biopsy indicated melanoma with positive immunohistochemical markers S100 and HMB45, and negative cytokeratins and CEA. Computerized tomography (CT) and positron-emission tomography (PET) scans showed no local infiltration or distant metastases. An Ivor-Lewis esophagectomy procedure was performed with regional lymphadenectomy. Postoperative stay lasted for three weeks, and no remarkable postsurgical complications arose. The pathological study of the specimen confirmed the diagnosis of primary esophageal melanoma.

DISCUSSION

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus has an unfortunate prognosis as it is an aggressive tumor usually diagnosed at an advanced stage, with local invasion and metastatic disease. Currently, surgery is the treatment of choice, with the remaining adjuvant therapies obtaining limited results.

Imaging of uncommon esophageal malignancies

Malignant esophageal neoplasms other than squamous cell carcinoma and adenocarcinoma are uncommon and include endocrine tumors, lymphoid malignancies, melanoma, malignant stromal tumors, and secondary tumors (metastases). Imaging, though not diagnostic in many cases, helps in selecting the appropriate treatment strategy by determining the anatomic extent of the tumor and locoregional and distant spread. In this article, we provide a comprehensive review of the imaging features of these uncommon esophageal malignancies.

Synchronous primary oesophageal malignant melanoma and sigmoid adenocarcinoma

The authors present a case of a gentleman in his 70s who was referred to the gastroenterology outpatient clinic with dysphagia. An oesophagogastroduodenoscopy was performed which showed a polypoidal black coloured mass in the oesophagus. Endoscopic biopsies confirmed malignant melanoma. Further staging investigations were organised to assess suitability for surgery which revealed a mass in the sigmoid colon. Subsequent colonoscopy and biopsy confirmed adenocarcinoma. As this was an unusual case to associate these two malignancies at the same time, there was no ideal or recognised management plan available. Different treatment options were considered and a consensus was developed regarding best surgical approach but due to the lapse in time a repeat staging CT scan was organised which unfortunately now demonstrated lymph node metastasis. Patient was managed conservatively from this point onwards and he died 12 months later.

Primary malignant melanoma of the lower oesophagus presenting with dysphagia and upper gastrointestinal bleeding

Primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus is an exceedingly rare oesophageal neoplasm. It accounts for less than 0.1% of all primary oesophageal tumours. Less than 262 cases have been documented till today. Surgical resection with re-establishment of gastrointestinal continuity is the treatment of choice. However, haematogenic and lymphogenic metastases are common and despite advances in surgery, radiotherapy and chemotherapy, this tumour continues to be a highly aggressive neoplasm with poor prognosis. The case of a 64 year-old lady with this tumour is presented.