acral lentiginous melanoma

Acral lentiginous melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails. It begins as a dark or pigmented spot that slowly enlarges, often mimicking benign moles or other skin changes. This melanoma can be less visible and harder to detect early, which may delay diagnosis. It is more common in people of darker skin tones but can affect anyone. Early detection and treatment are crucial to improve outcomes, so any unusual or changing pigmented lesions in these areas should be evaluated by a healthcare professional.