Endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy for staging malignant melanoma of the esophagus. A case report.
BACKGROUND
Malignant melanoma (MM) rarely involves the esophagus. The outlook is dismal unless lesional tissue is limited to the esophageal wall. Hence, staging prior to extensive surgical intervention is desirable.


METHODS
A 54-year-old male presented with fatigue and melena. A diagnosis of MM primary in the esophagus was rendered on a biopsy of an esophageal polyp. The stage, determined by endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy, was advanced. On the basis of this information, it was decided to spare the patient mutilating surgery.


CONCLUSIONS
This report confirms the utility of endoscopic ultrasonography-guided fine needle aspiration biopsy in documenting the extent of lesions at sites difficult to access. Thus, management can be improved.
Holck
Susanne
S
Department of Pathology, Hillerød Hospital, Hillerød, Denmark.
Siemsen
Mette
M
Jensen
Dennis Bo
DB
Mogensen
Anne Mellon
AM
D001707:Biopsy, Needle; D003584:Cytological Techniques; D019160:Endosonography; D004938:Esophageal Neoplasms / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology*; D008875:Middle Aged; D009367:Neoplasm Staging