How does a pathologist diagnose melanoma?

How does a pathologist diagnose melanoma?

The pathologist or dermatopathologist will examine the specimen with and without a microscope, measure its thickness, describe its location and appearance, and administer special tests. Your diagnosis is based on the careful examination of the biopsied tissue.

What is ALM melanoma?

Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a specific type of melanoma that appears on the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or under the nails. The word “acral” means “extremity” in Greek and refers to the occurrence of this type of melanoma on the extremities (hands and feet).

How long does it take acral lentiginous melanoma to spread?

The duration of time starting from when these patients first noticed the pigmented lesions up to when they first visited the clinic ranged from 5 to 30 years (average duration: 13.3 years).

Can a blood test show melanoma?

Blood tests. Blood tests aren’t used to diagnose melanoma, but some tests may be done before or during treatment, especially for more advanced melanomas. Doctors often test blood for levels of a substance called lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) before treatment.

Can a CT scan detect melanoma?

A CT scan takes pictures of the inside of the body using x-rays taken from different angles. A computer combines these pictures into a detailed, 3-dimensional image that shows any abnormalities or tumors. If melanoma has spread, a CT scan can be used to measure the tumor’s size.

Is acral melanoma rare?

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a very rare type of skin cancer, and it affects people with darker skin more than any other demographic. Other types of melanoma are caused by sun exposure that damages your skin.

Is acral lentiginous melanoma flat?

It is more common on feet than on hands. It can arise de novo in normal-appearing skin, or it can develop within an existing melanocytic naevus (mole). Acral lentiginous melanoma starts as a slowly-enlarging flat patch of discoloured skin.

How do you treat acral melanoma?

What is the treatment for acral lentiginous melanoma? The initial treatment of primary melanoma is to cut it out; the lesion should be completely excised with a 2–3 mm margin of healthy tissue. Further treatment depends mainly on the Breslow thickness of the lesion.

Is acral melanoma slow growing?

Acral lentiginous melanoma starts as a slowly-enlarging flat patch of discoloured skin. At first, the malignant cells remain within the tissue of origin, the epidermis — the in situ phase of melanoma, which can persist for months or years.

Will melanoma show up in a CBC?

The diagnosis of melanoma is confirmed by excisional biopsy. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is appropriate in selected patients. Laboratory studies that are indicated include the following: Complete blood cell count (CBC)