Metastatic malignant melanoma of palate: A review of literature and report of an unusual case

Abstract

Oral malignant melanoma is a rare tumor, accounting 0.8to 1.8 % of all oral malignancies. It occurs most commonly in Japanese and Negros. Radical surgery is mainstay of the treatment. Prognosis is very poor with 5 years survival rate. We present a case of malignant melanoma in a 55 years female, metastatizing to liver spleen and vertebrae.

Malignant Melanoma of the Palate: Report of a Metastatic Case

“…Metastasis via hematogenous route may occur early to the lungs, liver, brain or bone and later metastatic spread to the local lymph node occurs. Distant metastatic spread occurs within 6 to 78 months [11]. Our patient presented with lung and brain lesions upon diagnosis.…”

“…Estimated population-weighted average daily packed epithelioid or sometimes sarcomatoid cells with eosinophilic cytoplasm. Varying degrees of cellular pleomorphism can be seen [11].…”

“…The pattern of lymph node metastasis of oral melanoma has not been well documented. In a study by Ram et al, in 2010, correlation between tumor thickness and the incidence of cervical lymph node metastasis has been noted. Greater tumor thickness was associated with a more advanced stage.…”

“…For inoperable tumors, or the elderly, radiotherapy alone is the preferred method. Chemotherapy is generally employed on metastatic disease [11]. Injection of cutaneous melanoma with BCG vaccine and treatment with interferon and cimetidine has been described [12,13].…”

“…They may present as dark-brown, bluish black or black mucosal discoloration and may be solitary or multiple, flat and/ or elevated, irregular borders and no clear demarcation exists between the tumor and the adjacent tissues. Pain was the most common referred symptom [11]. This patient presented with a hyperpigmented bleeding mass on the palate, friable, ulcerated which measures 6 x 6 centimeters.…”