Primary melanoma of oral mucosa: A case report and review of literature

Abstract

Primary oral melanoma is a rare neoplasm of melanocytic origin, accounting for 0.5% of all oral
malignancies. The “chameleonic” presentation of a mainly asymptomatic condition, rarity of this
lesion, poor prognosis, and the necessity of a highly specialized treatment are factors that should be
seriously considered by the involved health provider. Here is a case report presenting a malignant
melanoma of oral mucosa in 48-year-old male patient on maxillary gingiva. The lesion was removed
by partial maxillectomy and patient is disease free after 11 months of regular followup. This case
provides an example of how dental clinicians play a major role in the identification of pigmented
lesions of oral cavity and also emphasize on the fact that any pigmented lesion detected in the
oral cavity may exhibit potential growth and should be submitted to biopsy to exclude malignancy.
Key Words: Gingiva, metastasis, oral melanoma, recurrence