Second primary mucosal malignant melanoma in hypopharynx.

Area of Science:

• Oncology
• Head and Neck Surgery
• Dermatology

Background:

• Primary mucosal melanomas of the head and neck are uncommon.
• Developing a second primary mucosal melanoma after a cutaneous malignant melanoma is exceptionally rare.

Observation:

• A 76-year-old woman with a history of cutaneous malignant melanoma presented with a throat foreign body sensation.
• Endoscopy identified a black mass in the hypopharyngeal piriform sinus, confirmed histopathologically as a second primary mucosal malignant melanoma.

Findings:

• The patient underwent surgical excision and reconstruction.
• Postoperatively, metastasis was diagnosed within five months, with widespread dissemination evident by eight months.
• The patient died nine months after surgery.

Implications:

• This case underscores the critical importance of including detailed hypopharyngeal and head and neck examinations in the surveillance protocols for all patients with a history of cutaneous malignant melanoma.
• Early detection through vigilant follow-up may improve outcomes for rare secondary mucosal melanomas.