Oral cavity melanoma: what to know

Oral melanoma develops from pigment-producing cells in the lining of the mouth. It may appear as a brown, black, grey, or mixed-colour patch or raised area, commonly noticed on the palate or gums. Bleeding, a sore that does not heal, loosening teeth, swelling, or a persistent lump can occur, but similar changes also have non-cancerous causes.

A dentist, oral medicine clinician, dermatologist, or head-and-neck specialist may inspect the mouth and neck. A biopsy is usually needed to identify the cells. Imaging and examination of nearby lymph nodes may then help determine how far the disease extends.

Book an assessment if pigmentation is new, enlarging, uneven, bleeding, or persistent. Do not cover it with home remedies or delay because it is painless. Take a clear photograph if possible and list dental procedures, medicines, tobacco or vaping exposure, and when the change began.

Treatment depends on the biopsy and staging. Surgical Excision or Skin Cancer Surgery may remove a local lesion; a Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy may help assess drainage from a tumour. Immunotherapy can be considered in some treatment plans.

Arrange prompt review for a mouth patch or lump that persists, changes, bleeds, or interferes with eating, swallowing, speech, or denture fit. Seek urgent help for heavy bleeding, inability to swallow saliva, rapidly increasing swelling, or breathing difficulty. Those warning signs require immediate attention regardless of the cause.

Ask where the change is located, whether a biopsy is needed, how the sample will be tested, and whether imaging or lymph-node assessment is appropriate. Ask who will coordinate dental, surgical, and oncology care, how treatment may affect eating or speech, and what follow-up will involve.