From Malaise to Oral Pain: A Case Report on Oral Mucosal Melanoma

Background

Oral melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that typically presents as a black-brown macule or nodule with variable pigmentation and occasional depigmented areas. Oral melanoma typically affects the maxillary gingiva, palate, and retromolar trigone, and tends to be aggressive with high propensity for distant spread and poor prognosis. We report a patient with metastatic visceral melanoma who, upon presentation for dental care, was found to also have advanced gingival melanoma with bone involvement. This may support the oral cavity as the primary site and represents a missed opportunity for early diagnosis.