Abstract
The reported incidence of melanoma is rapidly rising and second only to lung cancer.
Primary melanoma of the lower extremity accounts for approximately 30% of all cases
reported, with half of these cases localized to the foot itself. Unfortunately, melanoma
can be misdiagnosed and treatment delayed, as they are usually not painful. The overall
5- and 10-year survival rates improve with early diagnosis and aggressive treatment.
This is a report of 2 cases of primary nodular melanoma of the foot initially misdiagnosed
as a “wart.” Following confirmation with biopsy, definitive surgical intervention
in both cases consisted of resection of the primary malignancy and ipsilateral superficial
inguinal lymph node basin resection using a multidisciplinary approach to patient
care. Given the rapid increase in incidence of melanoma in the general population,
one must have a high index of suspicion and low threshold for excisional biopsy of
concerning dermatopathology on the foot and lower extremity. Early detection and combined
appropriate surgical resection and adjunctive chemotherapeutic treatment of melanoma
in a multidisciplinary setting are paramount in decreasing mortality rates.
Level of Evidence
Keywords
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Article info
Footnotes
Disclaimer: The opinions or assertions contained herein are the private view of the author and are not to be construed as official or reflecting the views of the Department of the Army or the Department of Defense.
Financial Disclosure: None reported.
Conflict of Interest: None reported.
Identification
Copyright
© 2010 American College of Foot and Ankle Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
