Primary Melanoma of the Parotid Gland

Malignant melanoma of the parotid gland is an uncommon condition, with primaries usually originating in the skin of the head and neck. Primary malignant melanoma of the parotid gland is estimated to be very rare, accounting for <0.7% of all malignant tumors of the parotid gland and the recognition of their features is based mainly on sporadic case reports. Melanomas of the parotid gland are characterized by a difficult late diagnosis and poor prognosis. This chapter discusses the epidemiology, diagnosis (clinical characteristics, imaging studies, histopathology, and immunohistochemistry), differential diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis of primary malignant melanoma of the parotid gland.