Primary malignant melanoma of the epiglottis: a rare presentation

Ear Nose Throat J. 2006 Apr;85(4):274-7.

Abstract

Primary malignant melanoma of the epiglottis is extremely rare. Until now, only 4 cases have been reported in the world literature. We describe a new case of epiglottic primary malignant melanoma in a 74-year-old man who presented with hoarseness and a foreign-body sensation. Clinical examination revealed the presence of a small, whitish, polypoid tumor on the laryngeal surface of the epiglottis; no other primary melanoma was detected. Wide excision of the lesion was performed, and microscopy revealed that it contained melanin-pigmented tumor cells in both the mucosa and submucosa. Immunostaining was positive for S-100 protein. The patient was treated with radiotherapy, and he remained well 1 year after the diagnosis with no evidence of recurrence.

Publication types

  • Case Reports
  • Review

MeSH terms

  • Aged
  • Epiglottis / pathology*
  • Humans
  • Immunohistochemistry
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / diagnosis*
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / pathology
  • Laryngeal Neoplasms / radiotherapy
  • Laryngoscopy
  • Male
  • Melanoma / diagnosis*
  • Melanoma / pathology
  • Melanoma / radiotherapy