Related Experiment Video

Updated: Oct 3, 2026

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
08:49

A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model

Published on: May 18, 2018

Malignant melanoma in the palate of a 3-month-old child

Jonathan M Owens1, Jose A Gomez, Robert M Byers

  • 1Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas.

Head & Neck
|January 5, 2002
PubMed

Insights

Malignant mucosal melanoma is rare in children. This case of a 3-month-old boy with head and neck melanoma showed a benign clinical course after local excision, suggesting a favorable prognosis in juveniles.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Oncology
  • Head and Neck Surgery
  • Dermatopathology

Background:

  • Malignant mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is a rare adult cancer with a poor prognosis.
  • Previous reports detail only three pediatric cases of this condition.

Observation:

  • The youngest reported case involves a 3-month-old boy with a small pigmented lesion on the anterior maxillary alveolus.
  • The infant was treated with local excision as the sole intervention.

Findings:

  • The patient has remained disease-free for 117 months post-treatment.
  • Juvenile mucosal melanoma appears to exhibit a significantly more benign clinical behavior compared to adult cases.

Implications:

  • This case highlights the rarity of mucosal melanoma in pediatric populations.
  • Findings suggest that early diagnosis and treatment of juvenile mucosal melanoma may lead to favorable long-term outcomes.
Abstract

More Related Videos

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells06:09

Spatial and Temporal Control of Murine Melanoma Initiation from Mutant Melanocyte Stem Cells

Published on: June 7, 2019

Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography05:46

Implantation and Evaluation of Melanoma in the Murine Choroid via Optical Coherence Tomography

Published on: December 2, 2022

Related Concept Videos

Skin Cancer01:30

Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is a type of cancer that occurs when there is an abnormal growth of skin cells, usually triggered by damage to the DNA within the skin cells. It is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. Skin cancer is the most common type of cancer worldwide, and its incidence continues to rise.
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...
The Retinoblastoma Gene01:20

The Retinoblastoma Gene

Tumor suppressor genes are normal genes that can slow down cell division, repair DNA mistakes, or program the cells for apoptosis in case of irreparable damage. Hence, they play an essential role in preventing the proliferation of damaged cells.
The first-ever tumor suppressor gene called Rb was identified in retinoblastoma - a rare eye tumor in children. In inherited forms of the disease, a child inherits one defective copy of the Rb gene, which predisposes them to retinoblastoma. However,...