Doctors have traditionally advised against sunbathing for a variety of reasons, the key being the risk of skin cancer from exposure to ultraviolet rays. But even those who almost never go out into the sun are not immune from this disease. There is a variety that does not depend on ultraviolet light – acral melanoma. Yulia Vakhabova, an oncologist at the Institute of Oncology at the European Medical Center (EMC), told Reedus how to recognize and treat this rare type of malignant tumor.
Acral melanoma usually develops on the soles of the feet, the palms of the hands, and in the nail bed. It belongs to non-focal species, that is, it does not arise from existing moles.
The good news is that acral melanoma occurs in no more than 5-7% of all melanomas. The bad news is that this tumor can be very aggressive and should be treated immediately after diagnosis.
“The most common form is the subungual. It develops in the nail bed and looks like a dark brown spot or strip under the nail, ”says the specialist.
Men are more susceptible to the disease. Unlike ordinary melanoma, acral melanoma is more common in dark-skinned people than in fair-skinned people. In the vast majority of cases, the tumor is found in people over 60 years of age.
Risk factors for the development of acral melanoma: hereditary predisposition, exposure to radiation and toxic substances, frequent injuries of the nail plate, feet and hands.
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The first symptoms are the appearance of a brown spot or stripe, if we are talking about nails, itching, discomfort in the area of the spot. As the disease progresses, the spot may increase in size, ulcerate, raise the nail hole, and so on.
“The subungual form of acral melanoma is very similar in appearance to the subungual hematoma, which is formed due to trauma to the nail plate and does not pose a health hazard. Therefore, if you notice such manifestations, it is better to consult a doctor and conduct a study, ”advises the interlocutor of Reedus.
Acral melanoma can progress very quickly, moving from one stage to another in just a few months. Most often it is formed on the fingers.
Diagnosis of acral melanoma may require a biopsy, in which a small sample of tissue is removed for examination under a microscope.
Treatment will depend on the stage, the patient’s health status, and the presence of concomitant diseases. But it is always a complex therapy that combines several methods.
The most commonly used treatments for acral melanoma are radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy. After a successful course of treatment, the patient remains under the supervision of doctors and undergoes regular examinations every six months in order to prevent the recurrence of the disease.
To prevent acral melanoma, you need to constantly monitor your body, regularly inspect the soles, palms, and nails. If spots appear that were not there before, you should immediately contact a dermatologist and conduct a study.
Also, according to the oncologist, it makes sense to stop smoking, since it has a general toxic effect on the entire body, and in general to maintain a healthy lifestyle.
“Despite the fact that acral melanoma is a rare type of tumor, it is important not to ignore any changes in the skin and to see a doctor. Because its early detection and treatment can save your life,” the expert concludes.