Malignant melanoma of the oral cavity: Report of two cases

Abstract

Primary malignant melanoma of the oral cavity is an uncommon neoplasm and represents less than 2% of all reported melanomas. Malignant melanoma is more common among males and in 5`h to 6`h decades of life. The most frequent site of occurrence are palate and maxillary gingiva followed by mandibular gingiva, buccal mucosa, tongue and floor of mouth. Most melanomas are believed to develop denovo from melanocytes within skin or mucosa. Oral melanoma has poor prognosis.Two typical cases of malignant melanoma are reported. In case I, the site of involvement was palate and maxillary gingiva while in case II, it was mandibular gingiva. The first case presented with swelling and black discoloration of overlying mucosa with segmental mobility of upper left quadrant and mobility of involved teeth. Radiographically, this case exhibited destruction of palatal bone with floating teeth appearance of involved quadrant. Second case represented with swelling, bleeding, and black discoloration of overlying mucosa. This patient also exhibited black macular lesion in opposite side of buccal mucosa. Histologically, both the cases were confirmed as malignant melanoma.