No matter where it occurs, melanoma is an aggressive, fast-growing cancer. A rare type, mucosal melanoma, can be especially life-threatening without an accurate diagnosis or proper treatment. At Penn Medicine, our melanoma specialists in the Abramson Cancer Center can help.
Our team brings together expertise from several fields of medicine to find, diagnose and treat mucosal melanoma. We deliver exceptional care using the latest diagnostic tests and treatment methods for this rare cancer.
What Is Mucosal Melanoma?
Melanoma is cancer that develops in melanocytes, cells that produce melanin (pigment that produces color in the eyes, hair and skin). Although melanoma usually grows on the skin, it can also grow in mucosal membranes. This moist tissue lines cavities inside the body, such as the mouth, nose, sinuses and pelvic organs.
About half of mucosal melanomas start in the head and neck, such as the nose, sinuses, mouth, and esophagus, but can also occur in the lower large intestine, women's reproductive organs, and the urinary tract. Mucosal melanoma, like other types of melanoma, is classified based on its location:
- Head and neck mucosal melanoma: Melanoma can develop in the nasal passages and the sinuses around the nose, the mucous membranes lining the inside of the mouth, such as the gums, tongue, and inner cheeks, and parts of the throat involved in breathing, swallowing, and speaking.
- Gastrointestinal (GI) tract mucosal melanoma: This type of melanoma develops in the esophagus, stomach, small and large intestines, rectum, and anus.
- Genitourinary tract mucosal melanoma: Melanoma can develop in the vulva and vagina, penis and urethra, and bladder.
- Anorectal mucosal melanoma: This type of melanoma develops in the mucous membranes of the anal canal and rectum.
Mucosal Melanoma Care: The Penn Medicine Advantage
As part of the Abramson Cancer Center, the Tara Miller Melanoma Center provides exceptional care for people with mucosal melanoma. We offer:
- Experienced melanoma specialists: Our doctors have fellowship (advanced) training and board certifications in fields such as surgery, medical oncology (cancer care) and radiation oncology. With years of focused expertise, our team can treat even the rarest and most complex cancers, such as mucosal melanoma. Meet your melanoma and skin cancer team.
- Comprehensive treatment options: Our specialists stay at the forefront of research on innovative therapies using radiation therapy and immunotherapy to treat mucosal melanoma. Through clinical trials, you have access (if eligible) to promising treatments before they’re widely available.
Mucosal Melanoma Symptoms
The signs and symptoms of mucosal melanoma vary based on where the cancer is growing. Signs and symptoms that can occur in any area of mucosal melanoma include:
- Bleeding lumps
- Pigmented lesions (discolored areas)
- Ulcers (open sores)
Symptoms that can occur in the head and neck include:
- Dentures that do not fit properly
- Difficulty or pain when you swallow or speak
- Frequent nosebleeds
- Loss of the sense of smell
- Nasal obstruction (blockage), difficulty breathing or pain inside the nose
Symptoms that women may experience in pelvic organs include:
- Abnormal vaginal discharge or itching
- Bleeding that isn’t caused by menstruation (periods)
- Pain during or after intercourse
Symptoms affecting the digestive tract include:
- Diarrhea or constipation
- Pain during a bowel movement
- Hemorrhoids that won’t heal
Risk Factors of Mucosal Melanoma
There are very few identified risk factors for mucosal melanoma. Mucosal melanoma, unlike melanoma skin cancer, is not linked to ultraviolet (UV) light exposure. Possible risk factors may differ according to the area where the disease is present.
Risk factors for mucosal melanoma within the head and neck include:
- Poor fitting dentures
- Smoking
- Exposure to carcinogens in the environmen
Possible risk factors for mucosal melanoma within the anus include:
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
Possible risk factors for mucosal melanoma within the vagina include:
- Genetic predisposition
- Viruses
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Chronic inflammatory disease
Certain factors can increase your risk of developing mucosal melanoma, although the exact causes are unknown. Learn more about melanoma risks and prevention.
Mucosal Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Mucosal melanoma usually doesn’t show symptoms until its later stages, which makes it challenging to diagnose. That’s why it’s important to see doctors with experience in recognizing, diagnosing and treating mucosal melanoma.
To confirm a diagnosis, our specialists thoroughly evaluate you and order diagnostic testing. Learn more about our process for melanoma diagnosis and second opinions.
Our team works closely with you to tailor a treatment plan. You usually have more than one type of treatment. Treatment often begins with surgery to remove as much of the tumor as possible.
Read about all of our melanoma treatments, including:
Request an Appointment to Discuss Mucosal Melanoma with a Penn Expert
Call 800-789-7366 to schedule an appointment with one of our melanoma experts. You can also request an appointment using our online form.