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Boulaadas M, Benazzou S, Mourtada F Primary oral malignant melanoma. J Craniofac Surg. 2007; 18:1059-1061
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Malignant oral melanoma: how to spot it and how it is managed

From Volume 45, Issue 7, July 2018 | Pages 660-664

Authors

Zahid Khan

BDS, MFDS

Birmingham Dental Hospital/School of Dentistry

Articles by Zahid Khan

Rui Albuquerque

LMD, MS, DAS, PhD, PGCME, FHEA, FDS RCS(OM)

Birmingham Dental Hospital/School of Dentistry, University of Birmingham, 5 Pebble Mill Road, Birmingham B5 7EG, UK

Articles by Rui Albuquerque

Andrea Richards

BDS, MSc, FDS RCS, FDS(Oral Med) RCS

University of Birmingham Dental Hospital

Articles by Andrea Richards

Abstract

Abstract: Primary oral melanoma (POM) is a rare malignancy affecting primarily the hard palate and maxillary gingivae. Oral melanoma has a poor prognosis due to the frequent delay in diagnosis, the tendency of the tissues to be invaded locally and the potential to metastasize. This article aims to summarize the key clinical features of different types of oral pigmentation that are likely to be encountered by a general dental practitioner (GDP) and to highlight those that should prompt an urgent referral for investigation.

CPD/Clinical Relevance: The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the varying and sometimes atypical features of oral melanoma.

Article

Primary oral melanoma (POM) is an uncommon malignant neoplasm that presents predominantly on the hard palate and the maxillary alveolar mucosa.1,2 It is comprised of malignant melanocytes, which are cells derived from the neural crest that form the melanin pigment in the basal layer of the epithelium.1,2,3 It is most commonly seen in middle-aged patients and the lack of early signs and symptoms usually results in oral mucosal melanoma being diagnosed in the advanced stages.1,2,3,4 The 5–year survival rate has been quoted at around 15–38%.1 Unlike its cutaneous counterpart, oral melanomas are not linked to UV exposure.1,2 Smoking, denture-related irritation and alcohol have been linked to oral melanoma but the correlation is still unconfirmed.1

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