Transformation of a benign oral pigmentation to primary oral melanoma

This study documents a case of primary oral melanoma arising from an apparent oral melanotic macule and suggests that even histologically benign-appearing oral melanotic lesions should perhaps be viewed with caution if increased numbers of melanoctyes (melanocytic hyperplasia or clear cell activity) are present. Careful correlation of clinical appearance and histology is necessary to arrive at an appropriate diagnosis and prognosis for oral pigmented lesions.