Effective detection of plantar malignant melanoma

• Published in: International journal of dermatology Vol. 32; no. 10; p. 722
• Main Authors: Saida, T, Ishihara, Y, Tokuda, Y
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: English
• Published: England 01.10.1993
• Subjects: Adolescent; Adult; Aged; Aged, 80 and over; Diagnosis, Differential; Female; Foot Dermatoses - diagnosis; Foot Dermatoses - pathology; Foot Diseases - diagnosis; Foot Diseases - pathology; Foot Diseases - prevention & control; Humans; Male; Melanoma - diagnosis; Melanoma - pathology; Melanoma - prevention & control; Melanosis - diagnosis; Melanosis - pathology; Middle Aged; Nevus, Intradermal - diagnosis; Nevus, Intradermal - pathology; Nevus, Pigmented - congenital; Nevus, Pigmented - diagnosis; Nevus, Pigmented - pathology; Purpura - diagnosis; Purpura - pathology
• ISSN: 0011-9059
• DOI: 10.1111/j.1365-4362.1993.tb02742.x

As the sole of the foot is the most prevalent site of malignant melanoma in non-Caucasians, early detection of the neoplasm at this anatomical site is very important. In our previous study, we proposed a clinical guideline that acquired melanocytic lesions on the sole larger than 7 mm in maximum diameter should be examined histologically. Eighty-one Japanese patients with the complaint of plantar pigmented lesions were screened at our dermatology clinic during 3 years using the 7-mm criterion. Of the total 80 melanocytic lesions on the sole, 14 lesions were larger than 7 mm in maximum diameter, excluding congenital lesions. Diagnoses of the 14 "large" lesions were as follows: advanced malignant melanoma, 8 lesions; early malignant melanoma (malignant melanoma in situ), 1 lesion; acquired melanocytic nevus, 4 lesions, and volar melanotic macule, 1 lesion. The present study confirmed the validity of the 7-mm criterion for the early effective detection of plantar malignant melanoma.