Oral Malignant Melanoma of the Maxilla: A Case Report

Abstract

A case report of oral malignant melanoma (OMM). An 84-year-old male patient presented with enlarged, swollen anterior left upper gingiva with mild pain lasting eight weeks from the lower occluded teeth. Histopathological examination and immunohistochemical studies confirm OMM. OBJECTIVES: OMM, a neoplasm of melanocytes, is a rare aggressive tumor of the oral cavity. This paper aims to explain and discuss the clinical features, histopathology and immunohistochemical studies of OMM. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We report on a case of OMM treated at our institute. An oral examination, differential diagnosis and biopsy were performed for a definitive diagnosis. RESULTS: Histopathological examination showed sheets of atypical melanocytic tumor cells with abundant cytoplasmic pigmentation. The tumor cells were positive for S-100 protein, HMB-45 and MART 1 or Melan A. A final diagnosis of OMM was made. CONCLUSION: OMM is a rare tumor of the oral cavity with a poor prognosis; although an aggressive treatment is available to patients. Early diagnosis and aggressive multimodal treatment are important ways for surgeons to achieve a better outcome for patients with OMM.