Primary Mucosal Melanoma of the Nasal Cavity: A Rare Case Report
Mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is a rare but increasingly reported malignancy, and typically diagnosed in patients aged 65-70 years. It commonly presents with unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis, often originating in the nasal septum or lateral wall. Diagnosis reli...
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| Main Authors: | , , , , |
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| Format: | Article |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
JCDR Research and Publications Private Limited
2025-07-01
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| Series: | Journal of Clinical and Diagnostic Research |
| Subjects: | |
| Online Access: | https://jcdr.net/article_fulltext.asp?issn=0973-709x&year=2025&month=July&volume=19&issue=7&page=MD04-MD08&id=21215 |
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| Summary: | Mucosal melanoma of the nasal cavity and paranasal sinuses is a rare but increasingly reported malignancy, and typically diagnosed in patients aged 65-70 years. It commonly presents with unilateral nasal obstruction and epistaxis, often originating in the nasal septum or lateral wall. Diagnosis relies on immunohistochemical staining and is usually made at an advanced stage due to the tumour’s aggressive nature. They behave more aggressively than skin melanomas. This case report discusses a 76-year-old female who presented with bilateral nasal obstruction (left >right) for two months, with difficulty in breathing for one month. The examination revealed a bluish bleeding mass in the left nasal cavity. Preoperative endoscopic incisional biopsy revealed non-keratinising squamous cell carcinoma. The patient was subjected to total maxillectomy, and the final histopathological report came as mucosal melanoma. Early suspicion, especially in elderly patients with unilateral nasal obstruction or epistaxis, is critical. Timely biopsy, accurate histopathological diagnosis, and aggressive surgical management with adjuvant radiotherapy can improve local control, though the overall prognosis remains poor. Multidisciplinary follow-up and evolving molecular therapies offer hope for better outcomes in the future. |
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| ISSN: | 2249-782X 0973-709X |