Melanotan II nasal spray: a possible risk factor for oral mucosal malignant melanoma?

Abstract

The case of a 22-year-old female who developed a mass in the anterior maxilla after using Melanotan II, a nasal spray containing a synthetic analogue of melanocyte-stimulating hormone, is reported. The patient had used the nasal spray for tanning purposes. Melanotan II is unlicensed, and its sale is illegal in the United Kingdom and in many other countries around the world. Histological analysis confirmed the diagnosis of a mucosal malignant melanoma. The patient subsequently underwent surgical resection followed by ongoing immunotherapy. The clinical presentation and initial management of the patient, along with a literature review on the potential association between Melanotan use and the development of malignant melanoma, is provided. This report highlights the need for awareness of the possible serious side effects associated with Melanotan II nasal spray.

Keywords: Melanocyte-stimulating hormones; Melanoma; Mouth; Neoplasm; Substance-related disorders.