Primary malignant melanoma of the parotid gland: A case report and review of the literature

INTRODUCTION: Malignant melanomas (MM) of the parotid gland are rather rare and when discovered in the parotid gland without an identifiable primary site, they are considered even rarer. PRESENTATION OF CASE: We report a case of a 27 years-old woman who was admitted to our department with a complaint of a painless mass in the parotid area. Clinical examination and radiological investigations found a mass compatible with pleomorphic adenoma. Treatment consisted of superficial parotidectomy. The evolution was marked by the appearance of a tumefaction regarding the scar. A total parotidectomy with neck dissection was performed and the histopathological examination found an intraglandular melanoma. CONCLUSION: Primary malignant melanoma may represent a serious diagnostic challenge. It should be considered in the differential diagnosis of parotid tumors even if it's rare.