Effective palliative radiotherapy in primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus: a case report.
BACKGROUND
Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus is a rare but highly aggressive tumor with poor prognosis. Surgical resection is the treatment of choice. However, some cases may be diagnosed with advanced inoperable disease. Palliative radiotherapy may be used to relieve symptoms caused by the esophageal tumor.


METHODS
We report on a case of advanced inoperable primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus treated with palliative radiotherapy. The patient's dysphagia resolved with radiotherapy.


CONCLUSIONS
Malignant melanoma of the esophagus is rare. Patients with advanced inoperable malignant melanomas of the esophagus benefit from radiation therapy. Radiation therapy is effective for palliation.
Nonoshita
Takeshi
T
Department of Clinical Radiology, Graduate School of Medical Sciences, Kyushu University, Fukuoka, Japan. takenono@radiol.med.kyushu-u.ac.jp
Shioyama
Yoshiyuki
Y
Nomoto
Satoshi
S
Ohga
Saiji
S
Ohnishi
Kayoko
K
Atsumi
Kazushige
K
Terashima
Kotaro
K
Matsuura
Shuji
S
Nakamura
Katsumasa
K
Hirata
Hideki
H
Honda
Hiroshi
H