Surgical Decision Making in Oral Mucosal Melanoma with Lymphadenopathy: Review of Literature

Abstract

The oral mucosal melanoma (OMM) comprises less than 1% of all malignant melanomas. Most mucosal melanomas occur in occult site, which together with lack of early and specific signs contribute to late and poor diagnosis. Because of their rare ness, the knowledge about their pathogenesis and risk factors is insufficient, and also there are not well-established protocols for staging and treatment of mucosal melanomas with lympha denopathy. Surgery is the mainstay of treatment. Radiotherapy and other adjunctive therapies can provide better local control in some locations, but did not show improvement in survival. In this article, we present a case of 52yearold female with OMM (excision performed elsewhere) presenting with large left upper cervical swelling after 2 years postexcision. We will review the literature that help us in taking decision in the management of OMMs in light of following patient.