Acral lentiginous melanoma
1110286
215604800
2008-05-28T22:36:37Z
189.161.194.133
{{DiseaseDisorder infobox |
Name = Acral lentiginous melanoma |
ICD10 = C43 |
ICD9 = {{ICD9|172.0}}-{{ICD9|173.9}} |
ICDO = 8744/3 |
}}
'''Acral lentiginous melanoma''' is a kind of skin [[melanoma]]. It is also known as subungual melanoma. It is seen on the palms, soles and under the nails. This is the most common form of melanoma in [[Asian people|Asian]]s and [[Blacks]]. The average age at diagnosis is between sixty and seventy years. It also occurs in [[Caucasian race|Caucasians]] and in young people. This type of melanoma occurs on non hair-bearing surfaces of the body which may or may not be exposed to sunlight. It is also found on mucous membranes. It does not appear to be linked to sun exposure.
'''Typical symptoms include:'''
* longitudinal tan, black, or brown streak on a finger or toe nail (melanonychia striata)
* pigmentation of proximal nail fold
* areas of dark pigmentation on palms of hands or soles of feet
Any new area of pigmentation or an existing one that shows change should be checked by a dermatologist. If caught early this type of melanoma has a similar cure rate as the other types of superficial spreading melanoma.
'''The microscopic hallmarks are:'''
* [[atypical]] [[melanocyte]]s in [[junctional nest]]s
* [[Dermis|dermal]] invasion
* [[desmoplasia]]
* [[hyperplastic]] [[Epidermis (skin)|epidermis]]
'''Trivia'''
[[Bob Marley]], famous [[reggae]] artist, was killed by acral lentiginous melanoma that was present under one of his toenails.
==External links==
* [http://www.bweems.com/alm1.html Histology]
* [http://www.gpnotebook.co.uk/cache/-1415970783.htm GP Notebook]
[[Category:pathology]]
[[Category:Types of cancer]]
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