Resection of a primary oral malignant melanoma and rehabilitative management using nasolabial flap: a case report.

BACKGROUND: The primary malignant melanoma is a rare neoplasm of melanocytic origin in the oral cavity. Only about 1% of all melanomas arise in the oral mucosa and these account for 0.5% of all oral malignancies CASE REPORT: This report describes an oral malignant melanoma occurring in the right maxilla of a 73-year-old patient. The interdisciplinary management using a nasolabial flap and prosthetic oral rehabilitation procedure is described. DISCUSSION: The nasolabial flap technique offers the possibility of an immediate reconstruction of the maxillary defect and obviated problems with speech, swallowing, and permitted oral intake. As a supplementary benefit, the resection area can support the prosthetic rehabilitation.