Primary malignant melanoma of the mouth.

This report described primary malignant melanoma of the maxilla in the region of the palate and gingiva, the two most common locations of oral melanoma. It fulfilled the three criteria for a primary lesion as described by Greene and others, that is, malignant melanoma was demonstrated in the oral mucosa by biopsy examination, intraepidermal activity was present, and melanoma was not present at any other site. Treatment consisted of partial maxillectomy and the immediate use of maxillofacial prosthetics to offer the patient the maximum comfort in early rehabilitation.