Orofacial melanomas; a report of three cases

Abstract

Background: Oro-facial melanomas are rare malignancies of the maxillofacial region accounting for 0.5% of malignancies seen in oral mucosa. This is a case series of three case reports of orofacial melanomas highlighting their management and outcome in our centre.

Findings: The cases reported are of three oro-facial melanomas occurring in two females and a male. The age range of the patients was 40-68 years. There were two cases of melanoma of the palate and gingivae and a single case of melanoma of the parotid gland. All the patients presented with stage IV tumours. Of the three cases one died within few weeks of presentation while the remaining two are alive and under review.

Conclusion: Orofacial melanomas are rare painless lesions which are wrongly considered non-harmful in our environment thus leading to late presentation and poor prognosis.