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.
⁎Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe.
†Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeon, Department of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe.
‡Oral and Maxillofacial Pathologist, Department of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe.
§Specialist Histopathologist, Department of Histopathology, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, Avondale Harare, Zimbabwe.
Address correspondence and reprint requests to Prof Chidzonga: Department of Dentistry, College of Health Sciences, University of Zimbabwe, PO Box A178, Avondale, Harare, Zimbabwe
ABSTRACT