Which melanoma primarily affects nonwhite individuals and occurs on palms and soles?

Which melanoma primarily affects nonwhite individuals and occurs on palms and soles?

• A. Lentigo maligna melanoma
• B. Superficial spreading melanoma
• C. Nodular melanoma
• D. Acral lentiginous melanoma

Answer: (D)

Acral lentiginous melanoma is the correct answer because it specifically refers to a subtype of melanoma that occurs predominantly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This type of melanoma is recognized for its association with individuals with darker skin pigmentation, including nonwhite populations. The lesion often appears as a dark, irregular macule that can slowly progress to a more invasive form. Unlike other melanoma types, which typically present in sun-exposed areas of the body, acral lentiginous melanoma arises in areas that are often not subjected to excessive UV radiation exposure. This characteristic is significant because it highlights the need for awareness and screening in populations where this subtype is more prevalent, emphasizing that it can occur regardless of sun exposure. The other melanoma types listed, such as lentigo maligna melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, and nodular melanoma, do not specifically target the palm and sole regions, nor are they primarily associated with nonwhite individuals. For instance, superficial spreading melanoma usually develops on the trunk or extremities and is the most common type in lighter-skinned populations, while nodular melanoma can occur anywhere on the body but is also more common in sun-exposed areas. Lentigo maligna melanoma primarily arises on areas of chronic sun damage

Acral lentiginous melanoma is the correct answer because it specifically refers to a subtype of melanoma that occurs predominantly on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. This type of melanoma is recognized for its association with individuals with darker skin pigmentation, including nonwhite populations. The lesion often appears as a dark, irregular macule that can slowly progress to a more invasive form.

Unlike other melanoma types, which typically present in sun-exposed areas of the body, acral lentiginous melanoma arises in areas that are often not subjected to excessive UV radiation exposure. This characteristic is significant because it highlights the need for awareness and screening in populations where this subtype is more prevalent, emphasizing that it can occur regardless of sun exposure.

The other melanoma types listed, such as lentigo maligna melanoma, superficial spreading melanoma, and nodular melanoma, do not specifically target the palm and sole regions, nor are they primarily associated with nonwhite individuals. For instance, superficial spreading melanoma usually develops on the trunk or extremities and is the most common type in lighter-skinned populations, while nodular melanoma can occur anywhere on the body but is also more common in sun-exposed areas. Lentigo maligna melanoma primarily arises on areas of chronic sun damage