Malignant oral melanoma: how to spot it and how it is managed

Abstract: Primary oral melanoma (POM) is a rare malignancy affecting primarily the hard palate and maxillary gingivae. Oral melanoma has a poor prognosis due to the frequent delay in diagnosis, the tendency of the tissues to be invaded locally and the potential to metastasize. This article aims to summarize the key clinical features of different types of oral pigmentation that are likely to be encountered by a general dental practitioner (GDP) and to highlight those that should prompt an urgent referral for investigation. CPD/Clinical Relevance: The aim of this article is to increase awareness of the varying and sometimes atypical features of oral melanoma.