Otolaryngology: Open Access
Open Access

Abstract

Aim: To demonstrate a rare differential diagnosis of an esophageal malignancy. Background: Primary malignant melanoma is an uncommon tumor in the upper gastrointestinal tract and accounts for 0.1- 0.2% of all primary malignancies of the oesophagus. It was first described by Baur in 1906. The first case of Primary Malignant Melanoma of Oesophagus (PMME) was reported by Garfinkle and Cahan in 1952. PMME is commonly seen in the elderly and usually in the distal oesophagus. Presentation is usually late with poor prognosis despite advances in treatment modalities. 337 cases of PMME have been reported in world literature till 2011. We present a young woman who presented with progressive dysphagia and swelling in the anterior aspect of the neck of a short duration. On evaluation, she was diagnosed to have amelanotic malignant melanoma of the cervical oesophagus. Conclusion: Amelanotic malignant melanoma is a rare but fatal malignancy of the upper digestive tract with poor outcome even after treatment.

Biography

Ashish Chandra Agarwal has completed his MBBS and MS (otorhinolaryngology) from Kasturba Medical College, Manipal University, India. Currently, he is working as a Senior Resident in the Dept. of ENT at Kasturba Medical College, Manipal. His work involves teaching undergraduates, supervising post graduates, managing out & in patients, doing basic ENT surgeries and assisting in advanced surgeries. He has attended various workshops and conferences at the state and national level, and has participated in poster and paper presentations.