Primary malignant melanoma of mandibular gingiva: A rare case report

Oral malignant melanomas are rare neoplasms of the oral cavity which present significant diagnostic ambiguity. The etiology is unclear though the stimulation of melanoblasts by genetic, epigenetic, and traumatic causes that have been proposed in etiopathogenesis. Clinically, it presents as a pigmented swelling or growth which remains asymptomatic until it advances to later stages. It is highly invasive and metastasizes quickly; hence, it has a very poor prognosis with a survival rate of only 7%. Early diagnosis of the neoplasm and thorough investigation is not only necessary for prompt treatment but also necessary for a favorable prognosis.