Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a kind of lentiginous skin cancer skin melanoma.

Acral lentiginous melanoma is observed on the palms, soles, under the nails and in the oral mucosa. It occurs on non hair-bearing surfaces of the body which may or may not be exposed to sunlight. It is also found on mucous membranes. Unlike other forms of melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma does not appear to be linked to sun exposure.

It is the most common form of melanoma diagnosed amongst Asian and Black ethnic groups. The average age at diagnosis is between sixty and seventy years. However, the melanoma can also occur in Caucasians and in young people.