Primary oral malignant melanoma

3 cases of primary oral malignant melanoma are described. 2 of these patients died as a result of metastatic disease, one 12 months after the initial diagnosis, the other within 33 months. The 3rd patient, still alive after 27 months, has metastatic melanoma deposits in the liver. The clinical presentation of oral malignant melanoma is discussed and reference is made to treatment and the overall prognosis of the lesion.