Primary Melanoma of the Lung

Primary lung melanoma is an extremely rare tumour. Approximately 50 cases have been reported. Because melanocytes are not normally found in the tracheobronchial tree, it is difficult to explain its histogenesis. Of the proposed explanations, origin from neuroendocrine precursor cells in lung tissue appears the most plausible. Minimal criteria on which the diagnosis should be based, including clinical and pathologic features, have been proposed. A recent Sydney Melanoma Unit study suggested that detailed staging investigations and prolonged follow-up are probably necessary before accepting a definitive diagnosis of primary pulmonary melanoma. If no other focus of primary or secondary melanoma in the body can be demonstrated by the best available imaging techniques in patients presenting with a solitary pulmonary tumor, radical surgical treatment for suspected primary lung melanoma offers the best chance of cure. Nonetheless, the prognosis of patients with primary pulmonary melanoma is generally very poor.