Malignant melanoma metastatic to the esophagus, as the only evidence of disease, is rare. We present the only known case treated at our institution and review 10 other cases reported in the world's literature. Of 11 patients (including ours) with melanoma metastasizing to the esophagus and no other known disease, no patient survived 1 year. With this dismal prognosis, the goal of therapy in these patients must be palliation of dysphagia.