Role of fine-needle aspiration biopsy in the diagnosis of metastatic desmoplastic melanoma to the parotid and submandibular region

Abstract

Melanomas are malignant tumors prone to develop in regional and distant metastatic foci. Desmoplastic melanoma is an uncommon melanoma variant that commonly affects the head and neck and can promote early regional metastasis through both lymphatic and neural routes. We report an uncommon case of metastatic desmoplastic melanoma from the scalp to submandibular and parotid lymph nodes in a 79-year-old male, diagnosed through fine-needle aspiration biopsy. This report reinforces the importance of considering melanoma metastasis on the differential diagnosis of asymptomatic salivary gland swellings and the utility of fine needle aspiration biopsy in their early diagnosis.