Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus treated by endoscopic ablation and interferon therapy

Abstract

Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare illness accounting for 0.1-0.2% of malignant diseases of the esophagus; however, the incidence of the disease appears to be rising. The average survival time is between 10 and 15 months. The authors describe the 25 month follow up of a patient with primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus which was treated with endoscopic ablation followed by interferon therapy. No other focus was found and the patient is undergoing regular endoscopic check-ups, currently without any problems.