Related Experiment Video
Updated: May 24, 2026
08:49
A 3D Organotypic Melanoma Spheroid Skin Model
Published on: May 18, 2018
Oral malignant melanoma: A silent killer?
Ashvini Padhye1, Jovita D'souza
1Department of Periodontology and Oral Implantology, M.A. Rangoonwala College of Dental Sciences and Research Centre, Pune, India.
Journal of Indian Society of Periodontology
|February 28, 2012
Summary
Oral malignant melanoma is a rare, aggressive cancer often missed due to early asymptomatic presentation as pigmented patches. Delayed diagnosis significantly worsens prognosis, highlighting the need for vigilance with any gingival discoloration.
Area of Science:
- Oral pathology
- Oncology
- Dermatology
Background:
- Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is an exceptionally rare and aggressive malignancy.
- Typically presents on the maxillary gingiva, often overlooked due to asymptomatic, hyperpigmented patches.
Observation:
- A case report details a patient presenting with asymptomatic, aesthetically concerning darkened gum patches.
- Delayed presentation occurred because the lesions lacked symptoms, leading to significant growth.
Findings:
- Histopathologic examination confirmed the diagnosis of Oral Malignant Melanoma.
- Despite prompt aggressive therapy, the patient's invasive lesion led to a fatal outcome within months.
Implications:
- The clinically silent progression of OMM necessitates a high index of suspicion for all pigmented gingival lesions.
- Early detection and diagnosis, supported by thorough history and histologic evidence, are critical for improving patient outcomes.
Related Concept Videos
01:30Skin 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...
Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): BCC is the most common type of skin cancer, accounting for about 80% of cases. It typically develops in...
01:26Assessment of the Mouth
A thorough mouth assessment, including inspection and palpation of the lips, gums, tongue, tonsils, uvula, and pharynx, is crucial in detecting potential health issues. Diseases ranging from oral cancer to systemic conditions like diabetes could be identified early through careful oral examination. This article provides a detailed guide on conducting a comprehensive mouth assessment.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
Mouth Inspection
The inspection begins with visually examining the mouth for symmetry, color, and size.
02:07Tumor Progression
Tumor progression is a phenomenon where the pre-formed tumor acquires successive mutations to become clinically more aggressive and malignant. In the 1950s, Foulds first described the stepwise progression of cancer cells through successive stages.
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...
Colon cancer is one of the best-documented examples of tumor progression. Early mutation in the APC gene in colon cells causes a small growth on the colon wall called a polyp. With time, this polyp grows into a benign, pre-cancerous tumor. Further...