Amelanotic melanoma of the mandible: A case report

Amelanotic melanoma of the oral mucosa is extremely rare. We describe herein our experience of amelanotic melanoma arising in the mandibular mucosa. An 85-year-old woman was referred to our clinic with swelling of the left lower gingival mucosa. The histopathological diagnosis was amelanotic melanoma, as determined by immunohistochemical examination. The tumor cells were positive for S-100, Melan-A, HMB-45, and vimentin. The patient declined surgical treatment, so she received irradiation therapy. At a total dose of 10 Gy, the patient exhibited lassitude, so we terminated radiotherapy. Bleeding from the tumor persisted, and the patient developed anemia and hypouresis. She also contracted pneumonia. The patient's general condition worsened, and she died.