[Operative therapy of acral melanomas]

Acral lentiginous melanomas (ALM) represent 4-10% of cutaneous melanomas in white populations. Patients with ALM seem to have a poor prognosis, often due to late diagnosis. Micrographic surgery (3D-histology) is not seen as surgical procedure but more as histopathological technique. With micrographic surgery, continuously spreading ALM can be excised with smaller excision margins and good functional and cosmetic outcomes. In a recent study, 244 patients with ALM were compared using conventional histology versus 3D-histology. Clinical and surgical risk factors influence the prognosis of ALM. Tumor thickness and ulceration are the most important prognostic factors. 3D-histology with paraffin technique (optionally combined with immunohistological methods) can reduce excision margins and avoid local recurrences. Subungual melanomas represent only 2-3% of cutaneous melanomas in Caucasian and 20% in African or Asian skin type and are often clinically misdiagnosed. They are often localized on the thumb or great toe, which are most important for the function of the affected limb. The excision of subungual melanoma with 3D-histology and tumor-free excision margins including the nail matrix can be seen as a safe surgical strategy, which does not hazard the prognosis of the patient. Function and cosmesis of the finger or toe are preserved. Amputation in subungual melanoma is not recommended and should be reserved only for infiltrating melanomas with affection of the bone or joint.