Is Pedal Melanoma Among A Nigerian Ethnic Group Preventable?

Abstract

The characteristic pigmentation of the melanoma lightened the problem of its diagnosis from the 19th century. No wonder that museums illumined their stature in pathology. Nowadays, epidemiological papers point to the selection of the foot as the premier site of melanoma in the tropics. A preliminary paper by the author concerning the Igbo ethnic group in South-Eastern Nigeria suggested the pedal origin of most melanomas. Therefore, this paper aims to verify this presumption with a larger cohort. The highlights in 124 cases were a. Equal male/female ratio b. 61-70 group preponderance c. The sole as the most frequently attacked pedal site d. Submission of specimens from 20 towns other than Enugu, the erstwhile Capital City of the Regional Government.