Metastasis in the Small Bowel from Primary Malignant Melanoma of the Palate: Report of an Unusual Case

Aims: The aim of this manuscript is to present a rare case of metastasis in the small bowel from primary malignant melanoma of the palate.

Case: We present the case of an 81-year-old male with a tumor of the small bowel, which proved to be metastatic melanoma of the palate.

Discussion: Melanocytes arise from the neural crest and migrate to the epidermis, meninges, uveal tract and ectodermal mucosa. A melanoma is a malignant tumor consisting of melanocytes. Oral melanomas are very rare, and metastasis to the small bowel is an infrequent presentation of this tumors. Eventually, the prognosis of these patients is poor.

Conclusion: Metastatic melanoma, even if it is rare, should be included in the differential diagnosis of any neoplasm of the small bowel.