Resection of a primary oral malignant melanoma and rehabilitative management using nasolabial flap: a case report

Abstract

The primary malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm of melanocytic origin in the oral cavity. Only about 1% of all melanomas arise in the oral mucosa and these account for 0.5% of all oral malignancies This report describes an oral malignant melanoma occurring in the right maxilla of a 73-year-old patient. The interdisciplinary management using a nasolabial flap and prosthetic oral rehabilitation procedure is described. The nasolabial flap technique offers the possibility of an immediate reconstruction of the maxillary defect and obviated problems with speech, swallowing, and permitted oral intake. As a supplementary benefit, the resection area can support the prosthetic rehabilitation.