Malignant melanoma of the nasal cavity

Abstract

Primary mucosal melanoma of the head and neck is rare and few published cases give proof that the mucosal site is primary. We present a man with malignant melanoma of the nasal cavity which was associated with melanoma-in-situ of the adjacent mucosa, proving that the lesion was primary. He presented with symptoms due to secondary deposits of melanoma in the brain rather than the more usual nose bleeds or blocked nose. The primary site was found when his neurological symptoms were investigated by CT and NMR scans of the head.