title: [Heterogeneity of palmo-plantar malignant melanomas--comparative analysis of acral lentiginous melanoma and nodular melanoma on palm or sole].
abstract: We analysed and discussed clinico-pathologically 16 cases of malignant melanoma and 4 cases of their precancerosis occurring on the palm or sole of Japanese patients. In contrast to previous reports from the US and Europe, which emphasize the almost exclusive preponderance of acral-lentiginous melanoma (ALM) on volar skin, our series consisted of eight cases each of acral-lentiginous and nodular melanoma. We investigated the clinical and cytopathological findings of 4 representative ALM and 2 representative nodular melanomas, as well as the detailed clinical behaviour of all 16 cases, including precancerosis. In every case of ALM, we have found the presence of a three-phase pattern, namely A-(nodule phase), B-(plaque phase), and C-(macule phase) phases, representing focal and progressive melanoma genesis both clinically and pathologically. A- and B-phases of ALM shared many common features with pagetoid melanoma and pagetoid premalignant melanosis frequently occurring on the trunk. It was also found that nodular melanoma on the palm or sole also possesses common features with that occurring on non-volar areas and exhibits the highest malignancy of all melanoma types. In addition, we discussed ALM precancerous lesions called plantar premalignant melanosis, which consist of B- and C-phases only.
authors.forename: Y
authors.initials: Y
authors.lastname: Mishima
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Nakanishi
authors.forename: T
authors.initials: T
authors.lastname: Fujita
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D005534:Foot Diseases / Q000473:pathology; D006225:Hand; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008545:Melanoma / Q000473:pathology*; D008548:Melanosis / Q000473:pathology; D008875:Middle Aged; D011230:Precancerous Conditions / Q000473:pathology; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000473:pathology*