Hyperkeratotic acral melanoma mimicking a common wart

Area of Science:

• Dermatology
• Oncology

Background:

• Acral melanoma is a rare subtype of cutaneous melanoma.
• It commonly presents on the palms, soles, and subungual areas.
• Clinical presentation can be deceptive, mimicking benign dermatoses.

Observation:

• A case of hyperkeratotic acral melanoma is presented.
• The lesion initially mimicked a benign skin condition.
• This led to a delayed diagnosis.

Findings:

• The patient's acral melanoma was misdiagnosed.
• The delay in diagnosis resulted in significant disease progression.
• An unfortunate consequence was the amputation of the thumb.

Implications:

• Emphasizes the importance of considering acral melanoma in differential diagnoses.
• Highlights the need for increased awareness among healthcare providers.
• Underscores the potential for severe outcomes with delayed diagnosis and treatment.