Acral lentiginous melanoma

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a very aggressive, malignant cutaneous tumor which has a predilection for the plantar surface of the feet, palms of the hand, and the digits. The lesion presents as a rapidly spreading, darkly pigmented patch and may display varying degrees of pigmentation. These lesions have a propensity to metastasize to the central nervous system, liver, lungs, bone, and lymph nodes. Due to the aggressive nature of these lesions, early recognition and treatment, consisting of excision in toto with clean margins, are imperative. The authors present a thorough review of the literature and an illustrative case of acral lentiginous melanoma of the lower extremity.