Resumen

LOPEZ CHAGIN, Arnoldo. Estudio epidemiológico del melanoma maligno de la cavidad bucal en hospitales de referencia nacional de caracas-venezuela. (1959-2002). Acta odontol. venez [online]. 2007, vol.45, n.1, pp.22-28. ISSN 0001-6365.

Malignant melanoma is a neoplasm originated from melanocytes that are the pigmented cells located in the basal cell layer of epidermis and epithelium of mucous membranes. Lesion growth is initially manifested as a macule which turns into a highly pigmented tumour, frequently ulcerated or haemorrhagic, that increases progressively its size and tends to metastasise. This retrospective study aimed to determine the epidemiology of the oral malignant melanoma in 3 national reference hospitals situated in Caracas, Venezuela. 9 cases of primary malignant melanoma were found after evaluation of clinical histories from 1959 to 2002 that involved oral pathologies. Results showed that both genders were equally affected, it occurs more frequently in black people, with predilection for the maxila, especially palate, and sometimes preceded by melanosis and rapid growth. Regarding the habits associated to its aetiology, tobacco was the most frequent found as well as the use of dental prosthesis.  This investigation shows that oral malignant melanoma is rare tumour, and its considered one of the most dangerous human neoplasias with the worse prognosis. Study was granted by C.D.C.H.U.C.V.

Palabras clave : Malignant Melanoma; Melanocarcinoma; Carcinoma; Neoplasm.