Abstract

Primary pulmonary melanoma is a very rare disease, with only 19 cases previously reported in the English Language literature. This case suggest that melanoma can arise in the lung as a primary tumor. Diagnosis was made by right thoracotomy and the patient underwent lower lobectomy. Based on the histologic findings, the tumor was classified as malignant melanoma. There was no past history of an excision or a fulguration of a cutaneous, mucous membrane, or ocular lesion. Examination of the skin and the eyes did not yield any evidence of another primary tumor. We concluded that the lesion represented primary malignant melanoma of the respiratory tract. Recombinant interferon alfa 2a (lFN-cz2a ) administered to patient (6.million IU/m2 / d. for 3 days per week for 6 months). The patient does not have any evidence of tumor in the follow - up period of 30 months.