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Updated: Aug 12, 2026
07:31
Injection of Syngeneic Murine Melanoma Cells to Determine Their Metastatic Potential in the Lungs
Published on: May 24, 2016
Malignant melanoma metastatic to the tonsil
L B Aydogan1, J N Myers, E N Myers
1Department of Otolaryngology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, PA 15213, USA.
The Laryngoscope
|March 1, 1996
Summary
Metastasis to the palatine tonsil from melanoma is rare. Routine head and neck examinations are crucial for melanoma patients to detect such rare metastatic sites.
Area of Science:
- Oncology
- Head and Neck Surgery
- Dermatology
Background:
- Metastasis to the oral cavity from distant melanoma is uncommon.
- Palatine tonsil metastasis from melanoma is exceptionally rare, with fewer than 30 reported cases.
- Previous reports lack cases originating from mucosal melanoma in the head and neck region.
Observation:
- This study details three cases of melanoma metastatic to the palatine tonsil.
- Two cases involved cutaneous melanoma metastasis.
- One case presented a unique instance of metastasis from a mucosal melanoma of the hard palate.
Findings:
- The palatine tonsil is a rare metastatic site for melanoma.
- Metastatic melanoma from mucosal primaries in the head and neck to the palatine tonsil is unprecedented.
- Two patients demonstrated long-term survival following treatment for palatine tonsil metastasis.
Implications:
- Melanoma patients require thorough head and neck examinations during follow-up.
- Early detection of palatine tonsil metastasis can improve patient outcomes.
- This highlights the importance of considering rare metastatic patterns in melanoma management.
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