Korean J Otolaryngol-Head Neck Surg.  2004 Aug;47(8):795-797.

Mucosal Melanoma Arising in the Eustachian Tube: A Case Report

• Baek SJ
• Han SJ
• Lim BJ
• Lee WS

Abstract

Mucosal melanoma is a very rare disease. Most cases of mucosal melanoma have their origins in the head and neck region. To date, only three cases of melanoma originating from the eustachian tube have been reported. We present a case of mucosal melanoma of eustachian tube origin in which a complete excision was performed. The treatment of mucosal melanoma is not well established, but surgical excision is considered to be the treatment of choice. Radiotherapy is controversial but given consideration in the present case because of the anatomic complexity and difficulty in performing a complete excision. In this case, the patient underwent adjuvant radiotherapy and the mass size was greatly decreased which aided the subsequent surgical excision. Systemic chemotherapy was not utilized in this case. However, it is often used for palliative purposes. A literature review was conducted in the presentation of this case.

Keyword

Melanoma; Eustachian tube; Radiotherapy

MeSH Terms

Drug Therapy
Eustachian Tube*
Head
Humans
Melanoma*
Neck
Radiotherapy
Radiotherapy, Adjuvant
Rare Diseases