I have just had a marginal mandibulecomy on right bottom side to remove mucosal melanoma found on my gums there. The MD says this is very rare and that I should not pay attention to information on oral cancer or melanoma. He says it is so rare there are very few resources or studies available. I have asked him to send me any information he might have. I am wondering if anyone else has this diagnosis and any ideas on where to find reliable information. Thanks.

Sorry I wish I could help. I do wish you much luck and hopefully as rare as it is its easily treatable. My other point is that the treatment of your cancer - despite the fact that it is rare - may be similar to what other head and neck cancers receive so there is still likely a lot of pertinent information here. As it is, your first treatment - partial mandiblectomy and gum surgery - is something that a few of our members have gone through. They may have pointers on post op care and pain management. I look at cancer as an individual thing... Just because certain cancers are similar and supposedly behave a certain way - it doesn't meant the outlook, or behavior of the cancer is going to be text book. So stats and such depend on many things - the individual, diet, environment, lifestyle, family history etc. so while your cancer may have a different name there may still be a lot of support and information to be had from our group. Hugs!