Primary malignant melanoma of the larynx: A case report and literature review

A 56-year-old Japanese man presented with hoarseness and left sided neck swelling in June 2003. Endoscopy showed an irregular tumor extending from the anterior commissure to the left ventricle with dark pigmentation. A biopsy showed malignant melanoma. A total laryngectomy with left radical neck dissection was performed in July 2003, followed by chemohormonal therapy and radiotherapy to the neck. Multiple bone metastases were diagnosed in May 2004, and the patient died with disseminated disease in April 2005, 21 months after initial treatment. The medical literature on laryngeal malignant melanoma was reviewed, and suggested a very poor prognosis despite therapy with surgery, radiotherapy, and chemotherapy.