Mucosal melanoma

Mucosal melanoma is a type of melanoma. This form of cancer starts in melanocytes, which are cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin, hair, and eyes.

Most melanomas grow on the skin, but mucosal melanoma develops in mucous membranes, the moist tissues that line the inside of certain parts of the body. These tissues are found in areas like the nose and sinuses, mouth, digestive tract, and organs involved in urination and reproduction. Because mucosal melanoma grows in places that are hard to see, it can be more difficult to detect and is often diagnosed at a later stage.

At Penn Medicine, our melanoma team has extensive experience caring for people with mucosal melanoma. Our specialists work together across different fields to diagnose and treat this rare cancer. We use advanced testing and personalized treatment plans to provide coordinated care you can count on.

Doctors group mucosal melanoma by where it starts in the body:

• Head and neck mucosal melanoma: Starts in the nose, sinuses, mouth, or throat.
• Gastrointestinal (GI) mucosal melanoma: Starts in the digestive tract, including the esophagus, stomach, intestines, rectum, and anal canal.
• Genitourinary mucosal melanoma: Starts in the urinary and reproductive

Unlike skin melanoma, mucosal melanoma isn’t linked to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun. In many cases, doctors do not know what causes it. Researchers are still studying possible risk factors. These may include gene changes, chronic inflammatory disease, viral infections like human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), and exposure to harmful chemicals, including tobacco smoke.

Staging helps doctors understand how advanced the cancer is and helps guide treatment planning. It looks at the size and depth of the tumor, whether the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, and whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

After treatment, ongoing care is an important part of recovery and long-term health. Regular visits help your care team check for signs that the cancer may return or spread and manage any side effects. Follow-up care may include physical exams to check the area where the cancer started, imaging tests, and sometimes blood tests or other exams based on your treatment and overall health. Your care team will create a plan based on your diagnosis, treatment, and overall health.

Because mucosal melanoma is rare, it’s important to receive care from a team with experience treating this disease. The Tara Miller Melanoma Center, part of the Abramson Cancer Center, provides specialized care for people with mucosal melanoma. Our team offers:

• Experienced melanoma experts: Our doctors specialize in melanoma care, including surgery, medical oncology (cancer care), and radiation oncology. Our team treats rare and complex cancers, including mucosal melanoma.
• Advanced treatment options: Our specialists use a wide range of treatments, including surgery, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy. Through clinical trials, some people may have access to newer treatments that are not yet widely available.
• Coordinated, team-based care: Clinicians from different areas of medicine work together to create and manage your treatment plan. This approach helps ensure you receive the right care and support throughout treatment.