Radiotherapy of acral lentiginous melanoma of the foot

Four previously unreported cases of acral lentiginous melanoma of the foot treated by radiation are reported. All patients, for a variety of reasons, were not suitable for complete surgical excision. Three large doses of radiation were employed using the 0, 7, 21 technique. Local response of the melanoma to radiotherapy was excellent and all patients were well palliated by the treatment. This treatment of acral lentiginous melanoma is recommended in patients with this diagnosis who, due to age, medical condition, or the presence of metastasis, are not suitable for standard treatment (surgery).