En block resection of a giant gingival malignant melanoma with mandible invasion - a case report

Oral malignant melanoma (OMM) is a rare tumor of the oral cavity with very poor prognosis. This paper aims to present a rare case and a comprehensive review of clinical feature and treating methods. We report a case of a giant gingival malignant melanoma with mandible invasion and regional lymph node metastases. The tumor was dissected 1.5 cm beyond the tumor margins and hemimandibulectomy with disarticulation was performed. Incontinuity dissection of primary tumor and cervical lymph nodes was completed. Anterolateral thigh flap was used to reconstruct the defect of mouth floor. Immunotherapy (Interleukin-2) was carried out after surgery. An inclined bite plane was placed to maintain the normal occlusion. There was a satisfactory result and no symptoms of recurrence 18 months after surgery. Early diagnosis and aggressive surgical treatment combined with immunotherapy may provide better outcome to patients.