Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus.

A case of primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is presented, followed by a review of the literature. This uncommon tumor generally manifests itself as a pedunculated, polypoid lesion in the middle-lower third of the esophagus. The histological diagnosis is usually made post-resection. The treatment of choice is surgical resection. The advanced stage of the disease at the time of presentation and the aggressive biological behavior of the tumor result in a dismal prognosis.