Acral melanoma in Cambodia: challenges associated with a rare and aggressive disease encountered in a developing country setting

Abstract

Background: Melanoma is a highly malignant skin cancer. Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is most common among Asians. The prevalence of ALM among melanoma cases in Cambodian is not known. Objective: To describe the prevalence of ALM among cases of melanoma and the stage of disease at presentation to the health facilities and health providers. Method: Electronic clinical records were obtained from Children’s Surgical Centre (CSC) database between January 2002 and April 2014. Types and stages melanoma at presentation were documented. Result: A total of 10 out of 26 melanoma patients had ALM. Their average age at diagnosis was 65.3 years. Most primary lesions were located on the plantar or lateral surfaces of the foot. Most histopathological descriptions were consistent with ALM. Seventy percent had lymph node metastases. Conclusion: A high proportion of ALM was found associated with trauma as a potential risk factor. Most frequency presented at a late stage of disease. Providers must be made aware of the disease and render appropriate management early for good outcome.