Hao YY, Cui JF, Ji CG, Liu L, Yin KG. Endoscopic submucosal dissection for malignant melanoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2026; 18(8): 122701 [DOI: 10.4253/wjge.122701]
Corresponding Author of This Article
Li Liu, MD, PhD, Endoscopy Center, Luquan Campus, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 501 Huai'an West Road, Luquan District, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China. loraliu@163.com
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Gastroenterology & Hepatology
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case-report
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Hao YY, Cui JF, Ji CG, Liu L, Yin KG. Endoscopic submucosal dissection for malignant melanoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A case report and review of literature. World J Gastrointest Endosc 2026; 18(8): 122701 [DOI: 10.4253/wjge.122701]
World J Gastrointest Endosc. Aug 16, 2026; 18(8): 122701 Published online Aug 16, 2026. doi: 10.4253/wjge.122701
Endoscopic submucosal dissection for malignant melanoma and esophageal squamous cell carcinoma: A case report and review of literature
Yan-Yan Hao, Jin-Feng Cui, Chen-Guang Ji, Li Liu, Kai-Ge Yin
Yan-Yan Hao, Chen-Guang Ji, Department of Gastroenterology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
Jin-Feng Cui, Department of Pathology, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050000, Hebei Province, China
Li Liu, Kai-Ge Yin, Endoscopy Center, Luquan Campus, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China
Co-corresponding authors: Li Liu and Kai-Ge Yin.
Author contributions: Liu L and Yin KG contribute equally to this study as co-corresponding authors; Hao YY drafted the article and conducted subsequent revisions; Yin KG performed the surgery; Cui JF presented images of the lesion before and following immunohistochemical staining; Ji CG offered valuable suggestions for improving the manuscript; Liu L contributed to critically revising the manuscript for important intellectual content; and all authors gave final approval for the version to be submitted.
AI contribution statement: The authors declare that no artificial intelligence (AI) tools or large language models were used in the conception, drafting, revision, or any other stage of this manuscript. The authors assume full responsibility and accountability for the integrity, accuracy, and originality of the submitted work.
Supported by Hebei Provincial Department of Finance, China, Grant No. ZF2024050.
Informed consent statement: Informed written consent was obtained from the patient for publication of this report and any associated images.
Conflict-of-interest statement: All the authors report no relevant conflicts of interest for this article.
CARE Checklist (2016) statement: The authors have read the CARE Checklist (2016), and the manuscript was prepared and revised according to the CARE Checklist (2016).
Corresponding author: Li Liu, MD, PhD, Endoscopy Center, Luquan Campus, The Second Hospital of Hebei Medical University, No. 501 Huai'an West Road, Luquan District, Shijiazhuang 050200, Hebei Province, China. loraliu@163.com
Received: April 27, 2026 Revised: June 28, 2026 Accepted: July 30, 2026 Published online: August 16, 2026 Processing time: 107 Days and 13.5 Hours
Abstract
BACKGROUND
Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) is a rare and highly aggressive neoplasm, accounting for less than 0.2% of esophageal malignancies. Its synchronous occurrence with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) is exceptionally uncommon, with only a few documented cases worldwide. No consensus regarding the optimal management of synchronous PMME and SCC has been established.
CASE SUMMARY
A 60-year-old male underwent gastroscopy as a physical examination, which revealed a superficial elevated lesion 31-36 cm from the incisors. Magnifying endoscopy with narrowband imaging showed type B1 and focal B2 intrapapillary capillary loops (Japan Esophageal Society classification), and iodine staining revealed an iodineunstained area. Contrastenhanced computed tomography showed localized esophageal wall thickening with mild enhancement and several sub-centimeter mediastinal lymph nodes. The patient underwent endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD). Histopathology combined with immunohistochemistry confirmed synchronous SCC and PMME (HMB-45+, Melan-A+, S-100+). The two tumor components were independent, with a clear interface and no histological intermingling, consistent with a collision tumor. The lesion invaded the muscularis mucosae, and R0 resection was achieved. A selfhelp balloon dilator was used postoperatively. No recurrence was observed at the 19-month follow-up.
CONCLUSION
Synchronous esophageal PMME and SCC is rare, and ESD is a feasible treatment. We achieved R0 resection for our case, with no recurrence within the 19-month follow-up.
Core Tip: Primary malignant melanoma of the esophagus (PMME) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC) are rarely synchronous. We report a unique collision tumor comprising PMME with SCC in a 60-year-old male. Endoscopic submucosal dissection (ESD) achieved R0 resection; postoperative stricture was managed with a balloon dilator. No recurrence was observed within the 19-month follow-up. This case suggests that ESD is a feasible treatment modality for incidental microscopic melanoma foci. However, radical surgery remains the standard therapy, and intensive surveillance is mandatory.
