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. CASE: 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. CONCLUSION: 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.