Primary malignant melanoma of the middle ear mucosa: A case report

Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Middle Ear

“…Malignant melanoma with primary involvement of the middle ear and mastoid mucosa rarely has been reported. [1][2][3] Primary malignant melanoma of the middle ear mucosa is difficult to diagnose clinically. Difficulty and delay in diagnosis occur because of the location and frequent lack of pathognomonic symptoms of the disease.…”

“…Difficulty and delay in diagnosis occur because of the location and frequent lack of pathognomonic symptoms of the disease. 2 A comprehensive literature review by Maxwell et al 3 in 2018 of the 10 reported primary middle ear mucosal melanomas found that patients most commonly presented with otorrhea, aural fullness, and hearing loss. Less common symptoms included otalgia, tinnitus, and facial weakness.…”

“…3 The specific pathophysiologic factors underlying the development of primary malignant melanoma of the middle ear mucosa are not known. 2 The middle ear and its components develop from the first and second pharyngeal arches. 4 Melanocyte precursors from the neural crest migrate during the seventh or eighth week of embryogenesis.…”