Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Oral Cavity Around Dental Implants: Report of an Unusual Case

INTRODUCTION: Primary oral melanoma is an uncommon malignant tumor that originates from the proliferation of melanocytes. CASE PRESENTATION: A 78-year-old man presented with a pigmented lesion around the maxillary anterior implant prosthesis. The lesion was excised and diagnosed as a melanoma. Biopsy showed a malignant pigmented neoplasm that included proliferation of dysplastic melanocytes into the superficial layers of the submucosa. Initial testing, including a positron emission tomography scan, showed no metastasis; however, after 7 months, the patient developed a cervical lymphadenopathy. A neck dissection was performed and indicated that there was metastasis of the primary melanoma. After surgery, the patient received chemotherapy. CONCLUSIONS: Histologic examination of the excised lesion revealed the presence of a malignant melanoma in association with a junctional nevus of the oral mucosa. The patient was referred to the oral and maxillofacial department for further evaluation.