Autopsy and Case Reports
https://autopsyandcasereports.org/article/doi/10.4322/acr.2024.487
Autopsy and Case Reports
Clinical Case Report

Esophageal Melanocytosis

Samikshya Thapa; Gajendra Kumar Yadav; Ratna Mondal; Ravi Hari Phulware

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Abstract

Esophageal melanocytosis is a rare entity defined by the proliferation of a melanocytic basal layer of the esophageal squamous lining and deposition of melanin in the esophageal mucosa. Esophageal melanocytosis is considered a benign entity of unknown etiology; however, it has been reported as a melanoma precursor. We report a case of esophageal melanocytosis in a diabetic and hypertensive 67-year-old male with recurrent dizziness and syncope for the past 6 months. Given his complaint of dyspepsia, he underwent an upper gastrointestinal endoscopy, in which an esophageal biopsy revealed the diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis. The definitive diagnosis of esophageal melanocytosis can only be made by histological analysis. The histologic differential diagnoses include melanocytic nevi and malignant melanoma. Therefore, they need to be ruled out.

Keywords

Esophagus, Endoscopy, Gastrointestinal, Esophageal Mucosa, Melanins, Gastroesophageal Reflux

References

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Submitted date:
02/15/2024

Accepted date:
03/29/2024

Publication date:
05/22/2024

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