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Pigmented macules on palms and soles in Puerto Ricans
R F Martín1, J L Sánchez, M Vázquez-Botet
1Department of Dermatology, University of Puerto Rico, School of Medicine, San Juan 00936-5067.
Background:
One-third of melanomas in Puerto Ricans occur on the skin of palms and soles. This is a study to define the characteristics of melanocytic nevi in those locations.
Methods:
A sample of 1,039 patients were randomly examined for pigmented macules on the palms and soles. After informed consent, biopsies of these lesions were done on 67 patients.
Results:
Among the patients, 13% were found to have pigmented macules on the palms and soles. Volar melanocytic macule was the most frequent lesion.
Conclusions:
Melanocytic nevi occur frequently on volar skin. The criteria for removal of these lesions should not be different from those lesions at other locations.