Localisation rare du melanome muqueux

Abstract

Purpose: Mucosal melanoma of the upper respiratory tract is rare. Nasopharyngeal involvement is extremely rare. The diagnosis and management of this tumour still remain difficult. We present a new case of mucosal nasopharyngeal melanoma, to discuss diagnosis and therapeutic modalities.

Observation: A 15-year-old girl was referred to the department of otolaryngology because of bilateral cervical mass with bilateral nasal obstruction, right otalgia and chronic headache. Nasopharyngeal tumour was observed endoscopically. The histologic examination showed mucosal melanoma. No distant metastatic localisations were identified. The patient
underwent cervical lymph node dissection followed by 6 courses of chemotherapy, but she died 9 months later because of loco-regional failures.

Conclusion: The primary malignant melanoma of nasopharyngeal is extremely rare disease particularly among child. Its histologic diagnosis is challenging. The treatment still remains controversial. The prognosis is poor because of anatomic localisation and high frequency of distant metastasis.

Key words: Melanoma, nasopharynx, immuno-histochemistry.