title: Oral malignant melanoma: a review of the literature.
abstract: Primary oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is a rare neoplasm, accounting for 0.5% of all oral malignancies. The etiology is unknown; tobacco use and chronic irritation may play some role. Clinically, OMM may mimick other pigmented lesions. A biopsy is required in order to establish the diagnosis. The reported risk of malignant cells spreading during invasive procedures and factors such as size of the lesion or anatomical limitations, may influence the diagnostic surgical procedure. Therapy of OMM is commonly based on surgical excision of the primary tumour, supplemented by radiotherapy, with chemotherapy and immunotherapy serving as adjuncts. Prognosis is poor, with a 5-year survival rate of approximately 15%.
authors.affiliation: Unit of Oral Pathology and Medicine, Section of Odontostomatology, Department of ENT/Dental/Ophthalmological and Cervico-Facial Sciences, University of Parma, Italy.
authors.forename: Marco
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Meleti
authors.forename: C René
authors.initials: CR
authors.lastname: Leemans
authors.forename: Wolter J
authors.initials: WJ
authors.lastname: Mooi
authors.forename: Paolo
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Vescovi
authors.forename: Isaäc
authors.initials: I
authors.lastname: van der Waal
mesh_terms: D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D009062:Mouth Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D011379:Prognosis; D015996:Survival Rate; D016896:Treatment Outcome