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Melanoma of the hand
1Department of Surgical Oncology, University of Illinois at Chicago 60612, USA.
The Journal of Hand Surgery
|March 1, 1997
Summary
Early diagnosis of hand melanomas is crucial. Biopsying unexplained pigmented lesions allows for less invasive treatments and better survival rates for these rare skin cancers.
Area of Science:
- Dermatology
- Surgical Oncology
Background:
- Hand melanomas are uncommon, presenting diagnostic and therapeutic challenges.
- Existing literature often lacks clarity on the specific pathology and management of these rare tumors.
Purpose of the Study:
- To review the experience with 39 cases of melanoma of the hand.
- To categorize data by tumor site, histology, and treatment modality.
- To emphasize the importance of early diagnosis for improved patient outcomes.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 39 patients diagnosed with melanoma of the hand.
- Data collection included tumor location (digits vs. palm), histological subtype, and treatment received.
- Analysis focused on treatment outcomes and the impact of diagnostic timing.
Main Results:
- Most melanomas occurred on the digits, with superficial spreading melanoma being the most frequent histology, even in subungual locations.
- Acral lentiginous melanoma represented only 8 of the 39 cases.
- A majority of patients were treated successfully without requiring radical amputations, even for digit melanomas.
Conclusions:
- Early detection through biopsy of suspicious pigmented lesions is vital for hand melanomas.
- Timely diagnosis facilitates less deforming treatments and leads to favorable survival rates.
- Further research into the specific characteristics and optimal management of hand melanomas is warranted.