Extraction site healing complicated by neoplasia

Malignant melanoma arises from melanocytes, dendritic cells of neural crest origin. Melanocytes occur within the basal layers of the epidermis, mucous membranes, retina and uveal structures of the eye and the meninges. Rarely, they may also occur in the bladder, adrenal medulla and ovaries. These melanomas metastasise widely and metastases in the oral mucosa have been seen in about 3% of patients with cutaneous melanoma, and can complicate the healing of extraction sites. This paper presents a case of malignant melanoma of the mandible.