Amelanotic malignant melanoma of the esophagus: case report.

We present the case of a primary malignant esophageal melanoma arising in a 75-year-old male, initially diagnosed as anaplastic squamous cell carcinoma. After resection of the tumor, histological work-up was indicative of a marked morphological heterogeneity, resembling a focally amelanotic primary malignant melanoma. Primary malignant melanomas of the esophagus are exceptionally rare. An exact preoperative diagnosis is critical with respect to the appropriate therapeutic strategy. Clinicopathological features of this entity with a brief review of the literature are presented.