Malignant melanoma in the maxillary sinus--a case successfully treated with radiotherapy

In this paper, we present a case where radiotherapy was very effective against malignant melanoma. We performed a total maxillectomy as the primary treatment, but the tumor recurred rapidly in the operated wound. Then, the patient was treated with 50 Gy in twenty-five treatments. After that, the tumor disappeared remarkably. On the other hand, this malignant melanoma was of the amelanotic type. We carried out a Fontana's stain and electronic microscopy to provide the criteria for the diagnosis of malignant melanoma. The pathological character of this malignant melanoma was investigated.