PROSTHODONTIC TREATMENT CONSIDERATIONS FOR PATIENTS WITH ORAL SINONASAL MUCOSAL MALIGNANT MELANOMA: A CLINICAL REPORT

Patients with a diagnosis of mucosal malignant melanoma involving the maxilla or paranasal sinuses requiring surgery are referred to the maxillofacial prosthodontist for treatment. The standard protocol of surgical, interim, and definitive obturator treatment is usually anticipated. Depending upon the stage and presence or absence of metastasis, it is generally accepted that the prognosis for cure of this disease is poor. This clinical report reviews the current literature regarding treatment and the overall guarded prognosis for this disease, and reports the prosthodontic treatment intervention for 8 patients. Prosthodontic treatment strategies are recommended that are consistent with the reality of the diagnosis to achieve optimal function and quality of life for these patients. (J Prosthet Dent 2009;101:85-91)