Acrolentiginous Melanoma from Malaysia

Here is a case from Jahor Baru, Malaysia. In North America, Europe and Australia the patient would have had more extensive studies; but one must keep in mind that there are disorders in Malaysia that are better handled there than here. Melanoma is far less common in SE Asia and their resources are allocated differently.

Abstract: 70 yo woman with ALM right sole

Presented by S.E. Choon, Consultant Dermatololgist

HPI: This 70 year-old Chinese lady presented in April 2006 with a 1-year history of a growth on right sole which was biopsied and diagnosed as melanoma. We do not have level and thickness. She refused below knee amputation and hence was referred to us in July 2006. She had radiotherapy in Sep/Oct 2006 in private centre.

P.M.H: Diabetes mellitus of 10 years, well-controlled with metformin 500 mg bd and glibenclamide 5mg daily.

O/E: see figure Fig. This shows her lesion in 2006 before XRT. There were no other positive findings. The current lesion very similar. Patient coming back next week.

















Work UP: CXR and CT neck, thorax and abdomen were clear in 2006 - in February 2008 CT scan last week showed several small right obturator lymph nodes. I was not too happy without a repeat CT and get one done last week. Size of LN not mentioned.

Pathology:
2006: Superficial spreading type (apparently down to subcutis for initial biopsy. Pathologist in Singapore wrote: "nodular type with vertical growth and ?superficial spreading"
2008: Recent lesion biopsy report was short and sweet-recurrent melanoma

Diagnosis: Acrolentigious Melanoma

Questions:
1. How would you classify this patient?
2. What would you recommend for this patient?
3. The patient initially refused amputation. Is there a lesser procedure that might help her now?

Your answers and comments are welcome.