title: [Fatal outcome of belated diagnosis of an acral lentiginous melanoma].
abstract: Acral lentiginous melanomas (ALM) are often diagnosed at advanced stages, which is associated with a very poor prognosis. ALM can be mistaken for a subungual haematoma when located on the nail unit or e.g. as a foot ulcer, or for a bacterial/fungal infection, verruca, eczema when located on the skin. In this case report, we present a case of ALM in which belated diagnosis led to a fatal outcome. This case illustrates that non-healing wounds may represent malignant tumours, even in younger patients. Early biopsy and correct diagnosis is paramount for optimal treatment and prognosis.
authors.affiliation: Plastikkirurgisk Afdeling P, Roskilde Sygehus, Køgevej 7-13, 4000 Roskilde, Denmark. Rasmusnkristensen@gmail.com
authors.forename: Rasmus
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Nygård Kristensen
authors.forename: Rikke
authors.initials: R
authors.lastname: Holmgaard
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D057210:Delayed Diagnosis / Q000009:adverse effects*; D003937:Diagnosis, Differential; D003951:Diagnostic Errors / Q000009:adverse effects; D017809:Fatal Outcome; D005260:Female; D005528:Foot / Q000473:pathology; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000473:pathology; D006801:Humans; D007911:Lentigo / Q000473:pathology; D008545:Melanoma / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D060787:Neoplasm Grading; D009362:Neoplasm Metastasis; D012878:Skin Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000473:pathology / Q000628:therapy; D016896:Treatment Outcome