AN EXTENSIVE ORAL MELANOMA LESION: A CASE REPORT

Abstract

Malignant melanoma of the oral cavity is a rare condition, accounting 0.5 % of all oral malignancies and 1-2% of all melanomas. A 74-year-old male patient presented a black lesion in the palate with a six-month evolution, associated with painful symptoms and difficulty in swallowing. Incisional biopsy was performed with results suggestive of compound nevus. Due to lesion progression, a new biopsy was performed, with final diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Additional immunohistochemical markers were positive for HMB-45,Mart-1 and Tyrosinase leading to final diagnosis of oral melanoma. Upon physical examination, an extensive lesion was seen occupying almost the entirety of the palate, extending to the right cheek mucosa with imprecise limits. Computed tomography revealed an ill-defined infiltrative lesion in half-posterior right hard palate, infiltrating the midline. Treatment included surgery in association with radiotherapy. The patient is still alive as of the last follow-up. Malignant melanoma of the oral cavity is a rare condition, accounting 0.5 % of all oral malignancies and 1-2% of all melanomas. A 74-year-old male patient presented a black lesion in the palate with a six-month evolution, associated with painful symptoms and difficulty in swallowing. Incisional biopsy was performed with results suggestive of compound nevus. Due to lesion progression, a new biopsy was performed, with final diagnosis of malignant melanoma. Additional immunohistochemical markers were positive for HMB-45,Mart-1 and Tyrosinase leading to final diagnosis of oral melanoma. Upon physical examination, an extensive lesion was seen occupying almost the entirety of the palate, extending to the right cheek mucosa with imprecise limits. Computed tomography revealed an ill-defined infiltrative lesion in half-posterior right hard palate, infiltrating the midline. Treatment included surgery in association with radiotherapy. The patient is still alive as of the last follow-up.