What is the typical behavior of oral melanoma?

The typical behavior of oral melanoma is typically malignant. This type of cancer often displays aggressive characteristics, meaning it has a propensity to invade surrounding tissues and metastasize to distant sites in the body. Oral melanomas are known to be aggressive due to their origin from melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells that can lead to the development of cancer in highly vascular areas like the oral cavity.

This malignancy can grow rapidly and may present clinically in various forms, such as pigmented or non-pigmented lesions. The aggressive nature of oral melanoma is underscored by its tendency to recur following surgical excision and the significant risk it poses for metastasis, especially to lymph nodes and distant organs, making early detection and intervention crucial for improving prognosis.