Primary non-cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck: Case series and review of the literature

Abstract

Primary non-cutaneous melanoma is a rare type of melanoma that occurs mostly on mucosal surfaces. The head and neck region is the most common site for these melanomas. The following cases described herein include patients diagnosed with primary non-cutaneous melanomas. The locations included the parotid gland (one case), the submandibular gland (one case), and the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses (three cases). Among these patients, one patient developed lymph node metastasis and one patient had distant metastasis. Treatment included endoscopic surgery (one case), endoscopic surgery with adjuvant radiotherapy (one case), open surgery (one case), and palliative chemotherapy (one case). One patient refused to receive treatment. After treatment, one patient had local recurrence. A local and distant recurrence was noted in one case. This report aims to describe clinical features, treatment options, and prognosis of primary non-cutaneous melanomas of the head and neck.