Primary oral malignant melanoma.

A fifteen year review (1968-1982) of all cases of malignant melanomas seen in Singapore revealed nine cases in the oral region. The cases were analysed and the literature reviewed. The cases usually presented late and the hard palate is the commonest site involved. The highest incidence is around the 4th-6th decade. Oral melanomas have a poorer prognosis when compared to cutaneous melanomas and this is similar to other reported series. No difference in sex incidence was seen in this series and the estimated incidence of oral to all other cases of malignant melanomas was about 6%.