Esophageal melanocytosis morphologic features and review of the literature

Superficial Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus Detected and Treated at Stage 0

The patient was a 79-year-old male. At three years and eight months after his initial presentation, upper gastrointestinal endoscopy revealed a black-flattened elevated lesion in the middle third of the esophagus, which was diagnosed as malignant melanoma on biopsy. No lymph node or distant metastasis was found. A diagnosis of cT1bN0M0 Stage I was thus made. We performed a robot-assisted, minimally invasive esophagectomy and D2 dissection. The postoperative diagnosis was pT1a-MM, N0, M0, vascular invasion+, stage 0. The patient was recurrence-free for 14 months after surgery. We presume that an aggressive biopsy diagnosis is important for the early detection of malignant melanoma.

Esophageal melanosis: Two case reports and review of literature

BACKGROUND

Esophageal melanosis (EM) is a rare condition characterized by melanin pigmentation in the esophageal mucosa. It is not well understood and has been documented in less than 100 cases worldwide.

CASE SUMMARY

We report two cases of African American patients who complained of significant weight loss (over 20 pounds in approximately six months) and abdominal pain during their first visit. The first case involves a 54-year female with a history of hepatic steatosis and polysubstance abuse, who also experiences nausea and vomiting. The second case is a 59-year-old male with hypertension and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD), who was diagnosed with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma. Both cases show benign melanocytes in the basal layer on the esophagus biopsy and are diagnosed as EM.

CONCLUSION

It is important to note that EM has been associated with malignancies such as carcinoma and melanoma. Therefore, accurate diagnosis and appropriate management are crucial. Patients with EM, especially those with concurrent risk factors (e.g., GERD, smoking), should be carefully monitored for any signs of malignancy.

Esophageal Melanocytosis

Esophageal melanocytosis is a rare entity defined by the proliferation of a melanocytic basal layer of the esophageal squamous lining and deposition of melanin in the esophageal mucosa. Esophageal melanocytosis is considered a benign entity of unknown etiology; however, it has been reported as a melanoma precursor. We report a case of esophageal melanocytosis in a diabetic and hypertensive 67-year-old male with recurrent dizziness and syncope for the past 6 months. Given his complaint of dyspepsia, he underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, in which an esophageal biopsy revealed the diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis. The definitive diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis can only be made by histological analysis. The histologic differential diagnoses include melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. Therefore, they need to be ruled out.

Esophageal Melanocytosis: report of two cases and review of a rare and misunderstood entity

Esophageal melanocytosis (EM) is a rare entity, which is characterized by a non-atypical melanocytic proliferation and melanin deposits in the esophageal mucosa. The confusion between the terms of melanosis and melanocytosis in the literature, the rarity of this lesion (less than 50 cases reported in the literature), its uncertain pathobiological course and the lack of experience of pathologists and gastroenterologists prompt us to draw the attention to this particular entity by reporting two cases and reviewing the literature. Magnifying endoscopy to observe intensive melanin accumulation followed by a biopsy are key for the diagnosis.

Clinicopathological study of blue nevi of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract: first case series

AIM

Blue nevus (BN) is a benign melanocytic proliferation that is typically cutaneous. Extracutaneous BN is infrequent and is reported in the mucosa of various organs. Gastrointestinal (GI) tract BN is rare. Here, we describe the clinicopathological findings of the largest series of GI tract BNs.

METHODS

A search of our Pathology Data System (1984-2019) identified six GI tract blue nevi. Clinical information, pathology reports and available H&E-stained section slides were reviewed.

RESULTS

Lesions predominated in the middle-aged adults (mean 54, range 27-80) with a slight female predominance (66%). Most cases arose in the rectum and colon (83%), with one gastric lesion (17%). Four cases were identified during endoscopic examination performed either for screening or for unrelated symptoms (66%). Two patients presented with rectal bleeding (33%) unassociated with the BN. Endoscopically, most lesions appeared as superficial hyperpigmented areas (83%). One case was described as abnormal mucosa (17%). Microscopically, the mucosa was involved in all of the cases (100%). One case showed submucosal extension in addition to the mucosal component (17%). Lesions showed a proliferation of bland spindle cells with abundant granular pigment. No nuclear atypia or mitoses were identified. Immunostains showed immunoreactivity for melanocytic markers. Follow-up information available for five patients showed no recurrences to date (mean follow-up 1 year).

CONCLUSIONS

BN is a benign melanocytic proliferation. It is important to be aware of the occurrence of such lesions outside of the skin and consider the possibility of BN when pigmented lesions are encountered in the GI tract.

A case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with a widely expanded surface area

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is rare but aggressive. PMME accounts for approximately 0. 1% of all malignant esophageal neoplasms occurring worldwide, and is usually diagnosed during the advanced stage. A 67-year-old man underwent an esophagogastroduodenoscopy (EGD) at our hospital and confirmed 20 mm of black pigmentation in the lower esophagus in the chest area. Pathological biopsy findings of the black-pigmented epithelial tissue revealed the presence of tumor cells with brown granules, leading to the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Owing to difficulty in accurately diagnosing the range in this PMME case, we performed thoracoscopic esophagectomy. Pathological organisation test results were pT1a-LPM, INFb, pN0, and pM0, which were diagnosed at pStage I. The lesion expanded extensively, measuring > 10 cm in diameter. The tumor cells, which were centrally located in the black-pigmented area, were observed to have proliferated beyond the surrounding brownish area into the mucosa, but no findings were found in the endoscopic examination. As in this case, because PMME may diffusely spread along the basal layer outside the range of pigmentation, endoscopic diagnosis of the extent of disease spread may be impossible; hence, it is important to keep this phenomenon in mind while performing resection to treat PMME.

Ethanol induces skin hyperpigmentation in mice with aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 deficiency

Alcohol induces various cutaneous changes, such as palmar erythema and jaundice. However, alcohol-induced skin hyperpigmentation due to melanin deposition has not been reported. Aldehyde dehydrogenase 2 (ALDH2), one of 19 human ALDH isozymes, metabolizes endogenous and exogenous aldehydes to their respective carboxylic acids. Reduced ALDH2 greatly affects acetaldehyde metabolism, leading to its accumulation in the body after the consumption of alcohol and the consequent development of a wide range of phenotypes. In the present study, we report a novel phenotype manifesting in a mouse model with the altered expression of ALDH2. Aldh2 knockout (Aldh2+/- and Aldh2-/-) and wild-type (Aldh2+/+) mice were fed a standard solid rodent chow and a bottle of ethanol solution at concentrations of 0%, 3%, 10%, or 20% (v/v) for more than 10 weeks. The intensity of their skin pigmentation was evaluated by macroscopic observation. Ethanol-exposed Aldh2+/- and Aldh2-/- mice exhibited dose-dependent skin pigmentation in areas of hairless skin, including the soles of the paws and tail; no such changes were observed in wild-type mice. The intensity of skin pigmentation correlated with the number of Aldh2 alleles that were altered in the mice (i.e., 0, 1 and 2 for Aldh2+/+, Aldh2+/-, Aldh2-/-, respectively). Interestingly, the skin pigmentation changes reversed upon the discontinuation of ethanol. The histological examination of the pigmented skin demonstrated the presence of melanin-like deposits, mainly in the epidermis. In conclusion, we report a novel finding that the intake of ethanol induces skin hyperpigmentation in an ALDH2 activity-dependent manner.

An unusual localization; esophageal melanocytosis

Esophageal melanocytosis is a rare clinical and pathological condition characterized by non-atypical melanocytic proliferation and increased melanin in the esophageal mucosa, which is normally histologically non-melanocytic. Intensive melanin accumulation and hyperpigmentation are necessary for endoscopic recognition. Due to the fact that it is a rare gastrointestinal system pathology, experience and knowledge about its diagnosis, treatment and course are also limited. Although it is argued that chronic stimulating factors have an influence, there is no clear information about its etiology and pathogenesis. Malignant melanomas and melanocytic nevus in particular come to the fore in the differential diagnosis. Opinions and findings indicating that melanocytosis may be a precursor for malignant melanoma make the recognition and follow-up of this clinical and pathological entity more important. In this article, a patient with esophageal melanocytosis diagnosed by endoscopic evaluation is presented, with the aim of increasing the awareness of clinicians, especially endoscopists and pathologists, on this subject.

Clinicopathological characteristics, staging classification, and survival outcomes of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus

BACKGROUND

Primary malignant melanoma of esophagus (PMME) is a remarkably rare and highly aggressive tumor. Studies related with clinicopathological findings, staging classification, and clinical outcomes are lacking.

METHODS

We reviewed 21 cases of PMME at the Tianjin Medical University Cancer Institute and Hospital from January 2002 to February 2017.

RESULTS

Nineteen patients (90.48%) presented a history of dysphagia for months, and two (9.52%) experienced retrosternal pain. Histologically, tumors were composed of atypical melanocytes with melanocytosis surrounding the tumor. The overall survival was 1-40 months, with the median time of 10 months. The mucosal staging classification for upper aerodigestive tract showed better distribution of overall survival with different stages than that of the American Joint Commission on Cancer staging classification for esophagus, but without statistical difference. Both the clinical and pathological characteristics were not highly consistent with overall survival.

CONCLUSIONS

PMME is a considerably aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. The staging classification of mucosal melanoma of the upper aerodigestive tract may be a good option for PMME patients.

A Retrospective Study, an Initial Lesion of Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus Revealed by Endoscopy

A 66-year-old man presented to his previous physician with epigastric discomfort in 2014. He was then referred to our hospital due to suspected primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME). A biopsy showed atypical cells containing melanin granules. A diagnosis of PMME was thus made. We investigated the endoscopic findings of the previous physician, which revealed a black point-like pigmentation at the same site since 2009. In 2010, black pigmentation was also observed at the same site. Although esophageal melanosis was suspected, no biopsy was performed. This case demonstrates the process by which esophageal melanomas develop into malignant melanomas.

Cases of primary malignant melanoma and melanocytosis of the esophagus observed by magnifying endoscopy: Application to differential diagnosis: case series

RATIONALE

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare disease with an extremely poor prognosis. In contrast, melanocytosis is a benign condition defined as melanocytic proliferation with melanin deposition. PMME is often accompanied by melanocytosis, but differentiating between them is difficult because of their similar appearance.

PATIENT CONCERNS

Here, we reported 3 PMME cases, 2 with melanocytosis.

DIAGNOSES

Magnifying endoscopy revealed characteristic non-uniform pigmented spots along deformed intrapapillary capillary loops (IPCLs) in PMME, while melanocytosis showed fine granule-like or linearly arranged spots and intact IPCLs.

INTERVENTIONS

The patients underwent endoscopic or surgical resection of each lesion.

OUTCOMES

Histologically, magnified images reflected melanocyte growth. For cases 1 and 2, the patients remained disease-free for 61 and 15 months after endoscopic resection, respectively. In case 3, liver metastases developed two months after surgery, and the patient died from liver failure after six months.

LESSONS

This is the first report describing differences in magnified views of the 2 diseases, which aids a differential diagnosis.

A Rare Disease of the Digestive Tract: Esophageal Melanosis

Esophageal melanosis which is characterized by melanocytic proliferation in the squamous epithelium of the esophagus and melanin accumulatin of esophageal mucosa (EM) is a rare disease of the digestive system. Although esophageal melanosis is considered to be a benign disease, its etiology is not cleared and has been reported to be the precursor lesion of esophageal primary melanomas. In this report, we aimed to note esophageal melanosis in a 55-year-old female case who applied to our clinic with difficulty in swallowing, burning behind the breastbone in the stomach, heartburn, indigestion, and pain in the upper abdomen after endoscopic and pathologic evaluation. Complaints dropped with anti-acid therapy and case was followed by intermittent endoscopic procedures because of precursor melanocytic lesions.

An Unusual Cause of Acute Upper Gastrointestinal Bleeding: Acute Esophageal Necrosis

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), also called “black esophagus,” is a condition characterized by circumferential necrosis of the esophagus with universal distal involvement and variable proximal extension with clear demarcation at the gastroesophageal junction. It is an unusual cause of upper gastrointestinal bleeding and is recognized with distinct and striking mucosal findings on endoscopy. The patients are usually older and are critically ill with shared comorbidities, which include atherosclerotic cardiovascular disease, diabetes mellitus, hypertension, chronic renal insufficiency, and malnutrition. Alcoholism and substance abuse could be seen in younger patients. Patients usually have systemic hypotension along with upper abdominal pain in the background of clinical presentation of hematemesis and melena. The endoscopic findings confirm the diagnosis and biopsy is not always necessary unless clinically indicated in atypical presentations. Herein we present two cases with distinct clinical presentation and discuss the endoscopic findings along with a review of the published literature on the management of AEN.

Rare tumors of esophageal squamous mucosa

In spite of increasing incidence of esophageal adenocarcinoma in the last few decades, esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) still remains the dominant subtype of esophageal cancer worldwide. Apart from conventional SCC, some rare unconventional tumors of esophageal squamous mucosa are also well known. This study provides an introduction to these and presents a brief review of the literature, including the diagnostic and prognostic importance of each variant.

Long-term outcome of esophagectomy for primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: a single-institute retrospective analysis

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a highly malignant tumor with a poor prognosis. Because PMME is an extremely rare disease, therapeutic strategies against the tumor have yet to be established, and the efficacy of esophagectomy remains unclear. The objective of this study was to evaluate the post-esophagectomy survival of PMME patients. Ten patients who underwent esophagectomy for PMME between March 2005 and April 2013 at the Department of Gastroenterological Surgery, Cancer Institute Hospital, Tokyo, Japan, were identified from the institutional database. We retrospectively retrieved clinical information and data on the long-term outcomes from the patients' records. Survival rates after esophagectomy were calculated by the Kaplan-Meier method, and the hazard ratios of mortality were determined using the Cox's model. A follow-up study of the 10 patients revealed 7 cancer recurrences and 5 deaths. Median survival time was 34.5 months, and 5 of 10 patients survived longer than 2 years. The 1-year disease-free survival rate was 40%, and the 1- and 3-year overall survival rates were 70% and 60%, respectively. Importantly, all three of the non-relapsing patients were histologically confirmed as free of lymph node involvement. The four patients with lymph node metastasis relapsed within 1 year. The disease-free survival was significantly shorter in patients with lymph node involvement than in those without lymph node involvement (univariate hazard ratio = 13.3, 95% confidence interval 1.85-266.4; P = 0.009). In conclusion, esophagectomy might benefit PMME patients with no lymph node metastasis. Further large-scale cohort studies are needed to establish the treatment strategy for PMME.

Primary Spindle Cell Malignant Melanoma of Esophagus: An Unusual Finding

Malignant melanoma of esophagus is usually a metastatic tumour rather than a primary tumour. Primary malignant melanoma accounts for less than 0.2% of all esophageal neoplasm. We report a case of primary spindle cell malignant melanoma of esophagus in a 69-year-old male who presented with history of dysphagia since 1 month. Radiological examinations revealed polypoidal growth at lateral aspect of esophagus. Biopsy was reported as grade III squamous cell carcinoma. Video assisted thoracoscopic esophagectomy was performed. Histopathological examination along with immunohistochemistry gave confirmed diagnosis of primary spindle cell malignant melanoma of esophagus. Though a rare entity, due to its aggressive nature and poor prognosis primary malignant melanoma should be one of the differential diagnoses in a patient with polypoidal esophageal mass lesion. Despite radical surgical treatment prognosis is extremely poor.

Esophageal melanocytosis in oral opium consumption

Esophageal melanocytosis is a rare and benign condition, characterized by melanocytic proliferation of the esophageal squamous epithelium with heavy melanin deposition. The etiology and pathogenesis has not been exactly known but it seems to be a chronic stimulus such as gastroesophageal reflux. This condition is very rare and about 35 cases have been reported so far, most of which have been from India and Japan. Herein, we present a case of esophageal melanocytosis in a patient with long history of oral opium consumption. To the best of our knowledge, such a history has not been reported.

Primary malignant esophageal melanoma arising from localized benign melanocytosis

A heavy drinker and smoker had a normal UGI-endoscopy in 1996. In 1999, a repeat examination disclosed distal esophageal benign melanocytosis, typical, macro- and microscopically. Endoscopic and microscopic features were stable in 2002 and 2004. In 2007, dysphagia prompted an endoscopy, which disclosed a poorly differentiated epidermoid carcinoma at 19 cm and black nodules of the cardia with a microscopy typical of malignant melanoma, uT3N1 at EUS. Radiochemotherapy led to an 8-month improvement, which did not prevent death one year after diagnosis.

Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Esophagus

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is an extremely rare neoplasm arising from the esophageal mucosal melanocytes. We herein describe a patient of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus, who was managed by thoracolaparoscopic esophagectomy.

Primary anorectal melanoma: an update

The anorectum is a rare anatomic location for primary melanoma. Mucosal melanoma is a distinct biological and clinical entity from the more common cutaneous melanoma. It portrays worse prognosis than cutaneous melanoma, with distant metastases being the overwhelming cause of morbidity and mortality. Surgery is the treatment of choice, but significant controversy exists over the extent of surgical resection. We present an update on the state of the art of anorectal mucosal melanoma. To illustrate the multimodality approach to anorectal melanoma, we present a typical patient.

Current status of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: clinical features, pathology, management and prognosis

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare disease with an extremely poor prognosis. Up to 2011, approximately 300 cases had been reported worldwide. The average age of onset is 60.5 years old, with a prevalence of males (2:1). A typical finding of PMME is a lobular or polyploid, well-circumscribed and pigmented tumor, partly covered with normal mucosa. PMME represents various colors depending on its melanin quantity and commonly coexists with intramural metastases, melanocytosis or melanoma in situ. The tumor is located from the middle to lower thoracic esophagus. The accuracy of diagnosis from biopsy is approximately 80%, because many cases are misdiagnosed as a poorly differentiated carcinoma because of the absence of melanin granules. A definite diagnosis was made by immunohistochemical examination with positive results of S100 protein, HMB45 and neuron-specific enolase. PMME has a highly metastatic potential, and the incidence of distant metastasis at the initial diagnosis is around 40-80%. A metastatic tumor from cutaneous malignant melanoma is another pigmented esophageal tumor to be considered when making the differential diagnosis for PMME. Junctional activity with melanotic cells in the adjacent epithelium and the presence of in situ melanoma and/or a satellite tumor without a previous history of cutaneous melanoma are definitive. Most of the reported patients were treated with radical esophagectomy, which is believed to be an effective approach for localized PMME. Five-year survival rates have been achieved in 37% recently, while adjuvant therapy has not been proven to increase overall survival but plays a palliative role.

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 oesophageal malignant melanoma

INTRODUCTION

Primary oesophageal malignant melanoma is an extremely rare disease. While this aggressive tumour is generally considered to have a dismal prognosis, long-term survival can be achieved by radical resection in selected cases.

CONCLUSIONS

We report two cases of primary oesophageal malignant melanoma treated with Ivor-Lewis oesophagogastrectomy and review the literature.

Black esophagus: Acute esophageal necrosis syndrome

Acute esophageal necrosis (AEN), commonly referred to as “black esophagus”, is a rare clinical entity arising from a combination of ischemic insult seen in hemodynamic compromise and low-flow states, corrosive injury from gastric contents in the setting of esophago-gastroparesis and gastric outlet obstruction, and decreased function of mucosal barrier systems and reparative mechanisms present in malnourished and debilitated physical states. AEN may arise in the setting of multiorgan dysfunction, hypoperfusion, vasculopathy, sepsis, diabetic ketoacidosis, alcohol intoxication, gastric volvulus, traumatic transection of the thoracic aorta, thromboembolic phenomena, and malignancy. Clinical presentation is remarkable for upper gastrointestinal bleeding. Notable symptoms may include epigastric/abdominal pain, vomiting, dysphagia, fever, nausea, and syncope. Associated laboratory findings may reflect anemia and leukocytosis. The hallmark of this syndrome is the development of diffuse circumferential black mucosal discoloration in the distal esophagus that may extend proximally to involve variable length of the organ. Classic “black esophagus” abruptly stops at the gastroesophageal junction. Biopsy is recommended but not required for the diagnosis. Histologically, necrotic debris, absence of viable squamous epithelium, and necrosis of esophageal mucosa, with possible involvement of submucosa and muscularis propria, are present. Classification of the disease spectrum is best described by a staging system. Treatment is directed at correcting coexisting clinical conditions, restoring hemodynamic stability, nil-per-os restriction, supportive red blood cell transfusion, and intravenous acid suppression with proton pump inhibitors. Complications include perforation with mediastinal infection/abscess, esophageal stricture and stenosis, superinfection, and death. A high mortality of 32% seen in the setting of AEN syndrome is usually related to the underlying medical co-morbidities and diseases.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is an extremely rare, but highly aggressive, tumor. The prognosis for primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus remains dismal in most literatures. We report here a case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus that was treated by surgical resection and, additionally, followed by chemotherapy. The clinical features, treatment, pathological findings, and prognosis are analyzed and the literature of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is reviewed.

Nevus-like appearance of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus

The primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare malignant disease, accounting for only 0.1–0.2% of all esophageal neoplasms, and the majority of the patients are diagnosed at advanced stages with poor prognosis. We present here a case of 56-year-old woman with epigastric pain and her endoscopic finding revealed several flat and black pigmented mucosal lesions within the distal portion of the esophagus which looked like flat nevus. The histopathology and immunohistochemical profile of the tissue specimens were diagnostic of malignant melanoma.

Comparison of primary and metastatic malignant melanoma of the esophagus: clinicopathologic review of 10 cases

CONTEXT

Primary esophageal melanoma (PEM) is a rare disease and is difficult to distinguish from other esophageal malignancies and from metastatic melanoma.

OBJECTIVE

To develop diagnostic criteria for PEM, we compared the clinicopathologic features of 5 PEMs and 5 metastatic melanomas to esophagus.

DESIGN

Ten cases of esophageal melanoma, including 4 surgically resected specimens, 2 autopsy cases, and 4 cases reported on mucosal biopsies, were reviewed. The histologic parameters used in this study were well-characterized features for cutaneous melanoma, including junctional component (in situ melanoma), radial growth phase, modified Breslow thickness, depth of invasion, lymphovascular invasion, satellitosis, predominant type of cytology, and regional lymph node metastasis. Clinical and follow-up information was obtained by reviewing patients' medical records.

RESULTS

Previous history of cutaneous melanoma was present in all 5 cases of metastatic esophageal melanoma but was not present in the 5 patients with PEMs. In situ melanoma and/or radial growth phase were identified in all 5 PEMs but were not present in any of the metastatic cases. Among the 4 resected and 2 autopsy cases, melanocytosis and mixed epithelioid and spindle cell morphology was present in 2 (50%) of 4 PEMs but was not present in 2 (40%) of the metastatic melanomas. Melanin pigment was detectable in all cases. Patients with PEM had better survival than those who had metastatic melanoma to esophagus (P = .03).

CONCLUSIONS

The presence of in situ melanoma, radial growth phase, melanocytosis, and mixed epithelioid and spindle cell morphology, in the context of no history of melanoma, distinguishes PEM from metastatic melanoma.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with separate foci of melanoma in situ and atypical melanocytic hyperplasia in a patient positive for human immunodeficiency virus: a case report and review of the literature

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare neoplasm. The primary nature of esophageal melanoma has been questioned in the past because most reported cases have not been able to demonstrate local tumorigenesis or evolution of the malignancy from a preceding benign lesion or cell. In addition, the occurrence of metastatic melanoma to the esophagus is much more common than PMME. We report a case of PMME with separate foci of melanoma in situ and atypical melanocytic hyperplasia in a patient with human immunodeficiency virus infection. To our knowledge, this is the first reported case of PMME in a patient with a previous diagnosis of human immunodeficiency virus infection. In addition to adding data to the limited literature on this subject, we also provide histologic evidence that demonstrates the primary nature of some esophageal melanomas. This case also documents the occurrence of PMME in a patient positive for human immunodeficiency virus. We also provide a review of the relevant literature.

Primary malignant melanoma of the liver: A case report

Primary malignant melanoma of the liver is an exceedingly rare tumor. Only 12 cases have been reported in the worldwide literature. We present a case of isolated malignant melanoma of the liver occurring in a 36-year-old Chinese male patient. Comprehensive dermatologic and ophthalmologic examinations revealed no evidence of a cutaneous or ocular primary lesion. Other lesions in brain, respiratory tract, lung, gastrointestinal tract and anus, were not demonstrated by serial position emission tomography (PET). Microscopic examination of the resected specimen revealed a malignant melanoma, which was confirmed by immunohistochemical staining for HMB-45, S-100 protein, melanoma-pan and vimentin. Moreover, electron microscopy demonstrated melanosomes in tumor cell cytoplasm. Our case shows that primary malignant melanoma may occur in the liver and should be considered when the histopathological appearance is not typical for other hepatic neoplasm.

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.

Melanosis in a Holstein heifer

A case of Melanosis in a Holstein heifer is described in this report. Many of the visceral organs, diaphragm and skeletal muscles have got dark-brown to black and diffuse pigmentation in different diameters on their surfaces and cuts. Microscopically, brown to black coloured pigment containing cells were detected in the heart, lung, liver, spleen and muscle tissues. After depigmentation process, it was seen that the normal histological structure of the organ disappeared in these pigmented region. There were large, vesicular and macrophage-like cells with small nuclei. In immunohistochemical staining, HMB45 was strongly positive in many tissues.

Primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus: a case report

Primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus is a rare neoplasm comprising less than 0.2% of all primary oesophageal neoplasms. There are fewer than 250 reported cases in worldwide literature. Several reports suggest that it has a mean survival rate of 2.2% at 5 years and a median survival rate of 10 months. A 48 year old male presented to our surgical service complaining of a three month history of progressively worsening dysphagia with associated regurgitation and unintentional weight loss of 14 kg. There was no prior history of cutaneous or ocular melanoma. He was treated with a combination of subtotal oesophageal resection and immunomodulatory therapy. We present herein a case of primary malignant melanoma of the oesophagus including the associated clinical, pathological and radiological findings.

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus with multiple esophageal lesions

BACKGROUND

A 48-year-old Chinese woman presented with a 2-month history of progressive dysphagia for solids, and (less frequently) liquids. She had minimal weight loss and no family history of cancer.

INVESTIGATIONS

Physical examination, conventional esophagogastroduodenoscopy, CT, fluorodeoxyglucose-PET, endoscopic ultrasonography, and histopathologic examination of excised tumor and biopsy specimens.

DIAGNOSIS

Primary malignant esophageal melanoma with submucosal infiltration but no distant metastasis.

MANAGEMENT

Endoscopic polypectomy followed by near-total esophagectomy with esophagogastric anastomosis.