Melanoma .

  • Malignant melanoma of the oral cavity is a rare entity, accounting for 0.1 to 0.5% of all malignant melanomas.
  • When melanoma is located at the gingiva, the alveolar mucosa and the hard palate, the jaws may be affected by peripheral infiltration.
  • The radiographic findings depend on the degree of infiltration. Computed tomography is necessary to accurately determine bone invasion and destruction.
  • Radiographically an ill defined, osteolytic radiolucency is observed which initiates as peripheral bone erosion.

Differential Diagnosis

Case 1

Melanoma in a Male 64 years old. The clinical lesion infiltrates the mandibular crest, resulting in a loss of support and the loosening of the second molar.