Primary malignant melanoma of the oral mucosa.

PURPOSE: To present our experience on the epidemiology, clinical features, management, and survival of patients with oral malignant melanoma.

PATIENTS AND METHODS: Records of patients with a histologic diagnosis of primary oral mucosal malignant melanoma seen over a 23-year period were retrospectively reviewed.

RESULTS: There were 6 females and 2 males, ranging in age from 18 to 60 years; 4 cases in the maxilla, 2 in the mandible, 1 on the lower lip, and 1 on the buccal mucosa. Local recurrences developed in 2 patients who eventually died with clinical metastatic cervical nodal disease. Follow-up ranged from 6 months to 16 years 3 months. Surgery was the only treatment available.

CONCLUSION: Primary oral mucosal melanoma is rare, with a 3 to 1 female to male ratio and an average age of 41.7 years at presentation. It is most common in the maxilla and has poor prognosis despite apparent adequate local surgical control.