MALIGNANT-MELANOMA METASTATIC TO THE TONSIL

Metastasis to the oral cavity from melanoma arising in distant sites i s very rare. The authors present three cases of melanoma metastatic to the palatine tonsil: two were cutaneous melanomas and one arose from the mucous membrane of the hard palate. Fewer than 30 cases of metasta tic melanoma to the palatine tonsil have been reported, and none have been from mucosal melanoma originating from another mucosal primary si te in the head and neck. From this perspective, one of the cases in th is article is unique. The authors present clinical histories of the th ree cases of melanoma metastatic to the palatine tonsil. Two patients were still alive a substantial time after treatment. The case presenta tions indicate that careful examination of the head and neck should be part of the routine follow-up examination in all melanoma patients.