Second primary oral melanoma: A rare presentation

Abstract

Melanomas are neoplasms of melanocytic origin. They are aggressive neoplasms with an unpredictable behavior, and can involve virtually any organ of the body. Oral melanomas are very rare and have an extremely poor prognosis. Early diagnosis and prompt treatment is the key to reduce the morbidity and mortality. A second primary tumor is a new primary tumor developing in a person with a history of tumor, in a new site or tissue and subsequent to the initial tumor. Patients with previous history of melanoma are associated with a higher risk of developing second primaries. A case of second primary oral melanoma in a 55-year-old female is reported here. The anachronistic presentation of the primary and the second primary lesions make this case clinically interesting. Noteworthy immunohistochemical findings were recorded, HMB-45 positive and S-100 negative.