Early detection of acral melanoma: A review of clinical, dermoscopic, histopathologic, and molecular characteristics

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a distinct subtype of melanoma on acral skin. Patient presentation at later stages and delayed diagnosis by physicians contribute to a worse associated prognosis and survival rate. Despite our progress in understanding the key features of this disease, the diagnosis of...

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Bibliographic Details
Published in:Journal of the American Academy of Dermatology 2019-09, Vol.81 (3), p.805-812
Main Authors: Darmawan, Claudia C., Jo, Gwanghyun, Montenegro, Sara E., Kwak, Yoonjin, Cheol, Lee, Cho, Kwang Hyun, Mun, Je-Ho
Format: Article
Language:English
Subjects:
acral melanoma
algorithm
Biomarkers, Tumor - analysis
Critical Pathways
Dermoscopy
diagnosis
Diagnosis, Differential
Early Detection of Cancer - methods
Extremities
foot
genetics
histopathology
Humans
melanoma
Melanoma - diagnosis
Melanoma - pathology
molecular
review
Skin - diagnostic imaging
Skin - pathology
Skin Neoplasms - diagnosis
Skin Neoplasms - pathology
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Summary:Acral lentiginous melanoma is a distinct subtype of melanoma on acral skin. Patient presentation at later stages and delayed diagnosis by physicians contribute to a worse associated prognosis and survival rate. Despite our progress in understanding the key features of this disease, the diagnosis of early-stage acral melanoma is still challenging. It is essential to integrate clinical, dermoscopic, and histologic findings in the diagnosis of acral lentiginous melanoma. In addition, molecular studies can be helpful. In this review, we have summarized our current understanding of this disease entity from articles that were published between 1969 and 2018. We have outlined clinical and dermoscopic features as well as pathologic and molecular findings regarding acral melanoma and have presented an algorithm for diagnosis. Understanding and integrating these characteristics may assist clinicians in the early detection of acral melanomas.
ISSN:0190-9622
1097-6787
DOI:10.1016/j.jaad.2019.01.081