Primary malignant melanoma of the maxillary gingiva.

BACKGROUND

Mucosal malignant melanoma arising from the mucosa of the head and neck region is a rare entity, accounting for approximately 0.2% of all melanomas. Most of these lesions (80%) have occurred on the maxillary anterior gingival area, especially on the palatal and alveolar mucosa.

OBJECTIVE

Mucosal malignant melanomas are more aggressive than cutaneous melanomas. On the other hand, complex anatomy of this area makes complete surgical excision difficult. Thus, early diagnosis and treatment are important.

METHODS

We presented primary malignant melanoma of the maxillary gingiva in two cases.

CONCLUSION

In mucosal malignant melanoma, survival rates may be increased by early diagnosis and treatment. The clinician must carefully examine oral cavity, and pigmented lesions should be biopsied. Because some melanomas may be amelanotic, a high index of suspicion is necessary.