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Oral mucosal melanoma is a rare malignancy of the oral cavity and a small subset of melanomas overall, characterized by an aggressive clinical course and diagnostic challenges. These challenges are particularly pronounced in amelanotic variants due to the lack of pigmentation and their histological resemblance to other spindle cell and epithelial tumors. This report describes a 47-year-old man who presented with a progressively enlarging ulcero-exophytic lesion involving the maxilla and hard palate over nine months, accompanied by cervical lymphadenopathy and rapid development of brain metastasis. Initial histopathological evaluation suggested a spindle cell malignancy; however, immunohistochemical analysis demonstrated positivity for S-100, SOX10, and Melan-A, confirming malignant melanoma. This diagnosis was further supported by repeat biopsy and histopathological findings. Despite treatment with pembrolizumab, the disease progressed rapidly both locally and distantly, necessitating palliative care. This case highlights the persistent challenges in diagnosing oral mucosal melanoma due to its atypical clinical and pathological features, emphasizes the critical role of immunohistochemistry in achieving an accurate diagnosis, and underscores the generally poor prognosis despite current therapeutic options. It also reinforces the importance of early detection and timely multidisciplinary management.
Zahid et al. (Wed,) studied this question.