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.

Case 2

Melanoma on the left maxillary gingiva at the site of the missing first molar.
Peripheral erosion and infiltration of the alveolar ridge with somewhat ill defined borders are observed. The lesion causes destruction of the cortical plates and the floor of the maxillary sinus, extending into the sinus cavity.