Karapandzic flap as a reconstructive option for the approach to mucosal melanoma in the lower lip. A case report

Background

Mucosal melanoma is a rare but aggressive cancer arising in melanocytes within ectodermal mucosa. It represents less than 1% of all malignant melanomas. Despite its rarity, mucosal melanomas are of great interest due to their aggressive behavior and less favorable prognosis compared to cutaneous melanomas. Surgical excision is the treatment of choice for localized disease. When affecting about 3⁄4 from the lower lip, according to a number of authors, Karapandzic flap is preferable. We present a case report of a lower lip lesion reconstructed with a Karapandzic flap. One of the great advantages of this technique is the preservation of the labial sphincter, its sensitivity and vascularization⁴. The Karapandzic technique has the inconvenient that usually causes asymmetry of the lip corner, but it disappears within time⁷. In this case, me made a Karapandzic flap due to the simplicity of the surgery, and compared to other procedures, it only needs one stage and has very acceptable aesthetic and functional results when it does not involve the lip commissure.

Keywords: Melanoma, Karapandzic flap, facial flap, head and neck reconstruction.