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Updated: May 4, 2026
A Melanoma Patient-Derived Xenograft Model
Published on: May 20, 2019
Head and neck mucosal melanoma: a review
Silvia V Lourenço1, Juliana D Fernandes, Ricardo Hsieh
1*Department of Pathology, Dental School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; †Department of Dermatology, Medical School, University Federal of Bahia, Bahia, Brazil; ‡Laboratory of Immunopathology, Institute of Tropical Medicine, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; §Department of Pathology, A.C. Camargo Cancer Center, São Paulo, Brazil; ¶Department of Dermatology, Medical School, University of São Paulo, São Paulo, Brazil; and ‖Department of Pathology, Hospital Obrero, La Paz, Bolívia.
Head and neck mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare, aggressive cancer. This review covers current evidence and molecular pathways, highlighting the need for further research into its pathogenesis.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Pathology
- Genetics
Background:
- Head and neck mucosal melanoma (MM) is a rare and aggressive neoplasm.
- It accounts for 0.7%-3.8% of all melanomas.
- Commonly affects the sinonasal cavity, oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, and upper esophagus.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review current evidence on head and neck mucosal melanoma.
- To explore the molecular pathways involved in its pathogenesis.
- To identify gaps in knowledge regarding individual genetic alterations.
Main Methods:
- Literature review of existing studies on head and neck MM.
- Analysis of reported data on MM incidence and location.
- Examination of research on molecular pathways and genetic alterations.
Main Results:
- Limited retrospective series and case reports are available for MM.
- Specific genetic and molecular alterations in head and neck MM are less investigated.
- The review synthesizes current understanding of MM pathogenesis.
Conclusions:
- Further studies are essential to enhance our understanding of head and neck MM.
- Research into melanocyte tumorigenesis requires more comprehensive data.
- Investigating individual genetic and molecular alterations is crucial for future research.
