Desmoplastic melanoma of the oral cavity: diagnostic pitfalls and clinical characteristics.
10.5125/jkaoms.2018.44.2.66
- Author:
Seung Ki MIN
1
;
Joo Hee JEONG
;
Kang Min AHN
;
Chong Woo YOO
;
Joo Yong PARK
;
Sung Weon CHOI
Author Information
1. Oral Oncology Clinic, Research Institute and Hospital, National Cancer Center, Goyang, Korea. choiomfs@ncc.re.kr
- Publication Type:Original Article
- Keywords:
Oral desmoplastic melanoma;
Diagnosis;
Recurrence;
Survival
- MeSH:
Diagnosis;
Diagnostic Errors;
Disease-Free Survival;
Melanoma*;
Methods;
Mouth*;
Recurrence;
Survival Rate;
Vimentin
- From:Journal of the Korean Association of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgeons
2018;44(2):66-72
- CountryRepublic of Korea
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
OBJECTIVES: Desmoplastic melanoma of the oral cavity is an extremely rare condition that is often confused on initial diagnosis with non-melanotic benign lesion or spindle cell tumors. The purpose of this article was to raise awareness of the disease using a literature review. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We analyzed 19 desmoplastic melanoma cases reported in the literature and added our experience. Data on clinical, histopathology, treatment, and survival were retrieved and analyzed. Survival analysis was by the Kaplan-Meier method. RESULTS: Initial clinical and histopathological features were indistinctive, and a definite diagnosis of desmoplastic melanoma at initial assessment was possible in only 23.5% of cases. Among tests, immunohistochemical studies for S-100 and vimentin were all positive. The 5-year disease-free survival rate for oral desmoplastic melanoma was 0%, and the 5-year overall survival rate was 55.0%. CONCLUSION: Oral desmoplastic melanoma has a high percentage of initial misdiagnosis and propensity for local recurrence. Thus, careful initial diagnosis and adequate surgery may result in improved overall survival.
