Primary malignant melanoma of the parotid gland: A case report and review of the literature.

INTRODUCTION

Malignant melanomas (MM) of the parotid gland are rather rare and when discovered in the parotid gland without an identifiable primary site, they are considered even rarer.

PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a 27 years-old woman who was admitted to our department with a complaint of a painless mass in the parotid area. Clinical examination and radiological investigations found a mass compatible with pleomorphic adenoma. Treatment consisted of superficial parotidectomy. The evolution was marked by the appearance of a tumefaction regarding the scar. A total parotidectomy with neck dissection was performed and the histopathological examination found an intraglandular melanoma.

CONCLUSION

Primary malignant melanoma may represent a serious diagnostic challenge. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumors even if it's rare.