Clinical examination was performed in 20 cases of malignant melanoma in the oralregion encountered in the First Department of Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery, Faculty of Dentistry, Tokyo Medical and Dental University during the 20-year period from 1970 to 1989. The following results were obtained;
1. The incidence of malignant melanoma in the oral region was not different between sexes. The tumor was observed mostly in the maxilla and palate.
2. From the macroscopic findings the tumors were classified into 5 types as follows; 1) Black nodule type, 2) Non-pigmented nodule type, 3) Radial growth phase type, 4) Black mixed type, and 5) Non-pigmented mixed type. The clinical course of the non-pigmented nodule type was relatively bad, while that of the radial growth phase type was good.
3. The clinical course of malignant melanoma in the oral region was generally worse than those of oral squamous cell carcinoma and salivary gland carcinoma. Radiotherapy seemed to be effective in prolonging the life of these patients.
