oral malignant melanoma: a case report of an unusual clinical and histologic presentation

malignant melanoma is a potentially aggressive tumor of melanocytic origin. primary oral malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm, accounting for 0.5% of all oral malignancies. the present case occurred in a 60‑year‑old female patient, as a pedunculated growth involving the palate and alveolar ridge and histologically showing a desmoplastic differentiation. the article discusses the distinct clinico‑pathologic presentation of this case and emphasizes on the need to identify and report such cases for further understanding of their biologic behavior. key words: desmoplastic melanoma, malignant melanoma, oral mucosal melanoma