Misdiagnosed Malignant Tumor on an Ischemic Limb

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a rare variety of melanoma typically located on distal areas of the body. Due to its presentation, it can be confused with a vascular ulcer.

The authors present the case of a 68-year-old man who smokes with a history of hypertension, diabetes, and dyslipidemia, who was referred to the vascular clinic with complaints of intermittent claudication and a developing ulcer on his heel. After formulating an accurate wound care plan and performing revascularization surgery, the ulcer did not heal. At this point, the wound was biopsied and melanoma diagnosis was confirmed. After melanoma surgery, direct closure of the wound with a split-thickness skin graft was performed.

Despite its rare pathology, misdiagnosis of ALM may prolong initiation of appropriate treatment and reduce the overall survival rate. Biopsies should be performed on nonhealing ulcers despite appropriate wound management and/or revascularization procedures.