PRIMARY MALIGNANT-MELANOMA OF THE ESOPHAGUS

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare disease. A case is reported and the newer diagnostic techniques of immunohistologic id entification of the tumor by positive reaction to the HMB-45 antigen, as well as immunoscintigraphy with Technetium-99m-labeled melanoma mon oclonal antigen for the demonstration of distant metastasis, is presen ted. A current review of the literature on this uncommon tumor is pres ented, and treatment options are discussed. A total esophagectomy rema ins the treatment of choice. Four long-term (>5 years) survivors after adequate surgical removal have been recorded in the literature.