Esophageal Melanosis: An Unknown Entity

Esophageal melanosis is the proliferation of melanocytes in the squamous epithelium of the esophagus and the accumulation of melanin in the walls of the esophagus. Normal esophageal mucosa does not contain melanocytes. It is a rare disease of the digestive system, and its significance has yet to be fully understood. Various studies have attributed it to gastroesophageal reflux disease, but hard evidence supporting such a claim is lacking. Some studies also point towards it being a pre-malignant condition, and further evaluation is warranted for earlier detection and treatment. We hereby present a case of chronic iron deficiency anemia incidentally found to have esophageal melanosis, confirmed with histopathological examination.