title: [Melanoma of the extremities a little known diagnosis and difficult treatment. Review of 20 cases].
abstract: Twenty cases of melanomas of the extremities observed in Brussels, Belgium, between 1968 and 1981 were reviewed. The clinical and histological characteristics, the treatment and the evolution were analyzed and compared to the data of the literature. Diagnosis was often delayed, as it was rendered difficult by the misleading clinical symptoms. This delay explains the inadequacy of numerous treatments given prior to the definitive one as well as the high thickness of the melanomas at the time of diagnosis. The five year survival was only 50%. An early diagnosis made by excisional biopsy, if possible, and an adequate treatment given to start with, should improve the result.
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005385:Fingers / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D008875:Middle Aged; D009260:Nail Diseases / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000628:therapy; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000628:therapy; D014034:Toes / Q000473:pathology
vernacular_title: Le mélanome des extrémités: diagnostic méconnu et traitement délicat. Revue de 20 observations.