Journal of the Korean Geriatrics Society  2009;13(1):39-42

doi:10.4235/jkgs.2009.13.1.39

Esophageal Metastasis of Malignant Melanoma in a 66-year-old Female Patient.

Hee Seok MOON 1

Affiliations

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Keywords

Melanoma; Esophageal metastasis; Immunohistochemical stain

Country

Republic of Korea

Language

Korean

Abstract

Malignant melanoma is a malignant neoplasm originating from the melanocytes, which are cells derived from the neural crest. Gastrointestinal metastasis that spreads through lymphatic or hematogenous routes is an important prog- nostic factor; however, esophageal metastasis has rarely been reported. A number of immunohistochemical stai- ning methods for the pathological confirmation of esophageal metastasis have been introduced recently. Metastatic malignant melanoma is treated with chemotherapy and immunotherapy, but the prognosis is very poor. We report the case of a 66-year-old female who presented with difficulty swallowing, epigastric discomfort, and multiple variable- sized esophageal nodules diagnosed as esophageal metastases from subcutaneous malignant melanoma.