[Malignant melanoma of the lung: is it easy to determine its origin?]

Malignant melanoma involving the respiratory tract is nearly always metastatic. True primary tumors are very rare, and only approximately 28 cases have been reported in the literature. Extensive clinical and histopathological examinations are needed to ascertain that the lung is the primary site. We present the case of a 67-year-old man with an apparent primary malignant melanoma of the lung in the right lower lobe. We also review the literature.