Oral Melanoma

Abstract

Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates from melanocyte cells. Its oral type is rare. The goal of this investigation was to determine the prevalence of oral malignant melanoma in Iran, as determined by age, sex and location. This research reviewed 623 cases of oral and non-oral malignant melanoma in Immam-Khomeini hospital, Mearaj cancer institute and department of oral pathology of dental faculty, Tehran University of Medical Sciences in a period of 19 years from 1981-1999. The results showed that 54 cases of biopsy lesions were melanoma of oral cavity that included 7.8% of these lesions. The mean age incidence of oral melanoma was 55.5(between 26-86 years). The most prevalent sites were palate (37.1%) and alveolar mucosa (20.4%) and less common sites included floor of mouth. buccal mucosa and tongue.

Keywords

• Oral Melanoma
• Malignant
• Palate
• Gingiva