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

• Published in: Archives of pathology & laboratory medicine (1976) Vol. 132; no. 10; pp. 1675 - 1678
• Main Authors: Fredricks, Jennifer Rose Chapman, Bejarano, Pablo A
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: United States College of American Pathologists 01-10-2008
• Subjects: Case studies; Diagnosis; Esophageal cancer; Esophageal Neoplasms - diagnosis; Esophageal Neoplasms - pathology; HIV (Viruses); HIV Infections - complications; HIV Infections - diagnosis; Humans; Hyperplasia - pathology; Male; Melanocytes - pathology; Melanoma; Melanoma - diagnosis; Melanoma - pathology; Middle Aged; Prognosis
• ISSN: 0003-9985; 1543-2165; 1543-2165
• DOI: 10.5858/2008-132-1675-PMMOTE

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.