Neurotropic melanoma invading the inferior alveolar nerve.

BACKGROUND

Desmoplastic neurotropic melanoma (DNM) and neurotropic melanoma (NM), rare lesions of the head and neck, often present as a benign-appearing nodule which later progresses to cranial nerve involvement.

OBJECTIVE

To discuss treatment and outcome of 3 cases of DNM/NM of the lower lip.

METHODS

Three case reports with 12- to 54-month follow-up and literature review.

RESULTS

The first case had an initial excision of melanoma of his lower lip and presented 16 years later with severe bilateral atrophy of his muscles of mastication with NM and underwent intensity modulated radiation therapy but no further resection. We also report two other cases of DNM of the lip, one of which received gamma knife radiosurgery for intracranial extension.

LIMITATIONS: Small retrospective case series.

CONCLUSIONS

Locoregional recurrences from DNM are more common than distant metastasis warranting vigilant surveillance following resection of the initial lesion. Radiation therapy and gamma knife radiosurgery may be used for cases of unresectable recurrences.