Surg Cosmet Dermatol. 2020;12(2):130-134
INTRODUCTION: The characteristics of acral melanoma (MA) diagnosed in Brazil are poorly studied.
OBJECTIVES: To evaluate the MA characteristics of patients diagnosed at the Dermatology Service in a referral hospital and to verify whether the possible differences between them would be important in determining the diagnosis, treatment, and prognosis.
METHODS: The series was divided into localized and advanced disease. The patients were compared according to sex, color, age, thickness and level of invasion of the primary lesion, staging, and time from the tumor perception and doctor attendance.
RESULTS: Data analysis showed an increased frequency of MA in non-white patients, with a higher age range, but without significant differences. There were also no significant differences regarding sex and staging, as well as regarding the time from the tumor perception and doctor attendance.
CONCLUSIONS: MA occurs mainly in patients who are normally not aware of skin cancer (non-whites) and belong to a higher age group. This form of cancer is unknown to the general public; and in the medical population, the acral region, especially the feet, is overlooked on physical examination.
Keywords: Melanoma; Prognosis; Survival Analysis
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