RESUMO
According to the World Health Organization, oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is a rare disease, accounting for only 0.8% of all melanomas, 8% of head and neck melanomas, and up to 0.5% of all oral malignancies. OMM presents as a pigmented lesion with asymmetrical borders, irregular surface characteristics, and a distinct color. Melanoma-associated pigmented lesion of the oral cavity does not possess clinical specificity and frequently divert the clinical diagnosis; hence, differential diagnosis becomes mandatory. Furthermore, the unpredictable pathophysiological behavior and delayed detection, contributes for poor prognosis of the disease. As a result, the 5 years survival rate is only 10-25%. Commonly OMM is seen in maxillary gingiva of males. However, we report a rare case of a middle-aged female having pigmentations and growth over mandibular gingiva.
RESUMO
Malignant melanoma; since long time is considered as deadly disease, but risk factor is minimized due to new technologies, substantial literatures, and promising treatments. The diverse etiopathogenesis; including physical carcinogens, bio-molecules, biological behavior, anatomical locations, and negligence; contribute to complexity of disease. So even after advanced medical technology, malignant melanoma is the challenge to doctors as well as common public. There is increase in incidence rate day by day, which directly attributes to recent concept of sun beds or tanning beds and global climate. After considering its severity, different researches are carried out in the field of radiology and biotechnology. But again these are not sufficient to control the disease. However; to reduce the mortality there is need of general public awareness regarding causative factors and preventive measures. Many literatures recently advocate for long time survival of malignant melanoma, after its early detection and treatment.
