Nodular melanoma presenting as an exophytic subungual mass

Abstract

Despite being recognised and reported in the literature for decades, subungual melanoma of the foot remains a diagnostic pitfall, with it commonly being mistaken for benign conditions. We present an interesting case of delayed diagnosis of subungual melanoma of the hallux that was misdiagnosed in the community for over one year. With melanoma being the fourth most commonly diagnosed cancer in Australia in 2013, this case serves as a reminder to all clinicians about the importance of maintaining a high index of suspicion for melanoma of the foot.

Early Malignant Melanoma Detection, Especially in Persons with Pigmented Skin

“…However, none of these articles referenced patients with Fitzpatrick skin type 5 or 6 (Supplemental Table 2, http://links.lww.com/NSW/A126). 5,14–24 Subsequent searches that were meant to narrow the search to specific articles on melanoma in the lower extremity in persons with Fitzpatrick skin type 5 or 6 yielded zero results. These searches were performed using the terms “melanoma,” “Fitzpatrick skin type,” and “podia*.”…”

“…com/NSW/A126). 5,[14][15][16][17][18][19][20][21][22][23][24] Subsequent searches that were meant to narrow the search to specific articles on melanoma in the lower extremity in persons with Fitzpatrick skin type 5 or 6 yielded zero results. These searches were performed the terms "melanoma," "Fitzpatrick skin type," and "podia*.…”

Slow Mohs micrographic surgery for nail apparatus melanoma in situ

“…The term Hutchinson's sign, or proximal nail pigmentation, one of the pathognomonic features of NAM, was defined as the spreading of the pigment into the nail folds. Another term, “delayed diagnosis,” was used to describe the phenomenon of more than 1 year from the first discovery of an abnormal digit lesion to when the patient came to clinics for a biopsy 21 …”

“…Another term, "delayed diagnosis," was used to describe the phenomenon of more than 1 year from the first discovery of an abnormal digit lesion to when the patient came to clinics for a biopsy. 21 For statistical analysis, qualitative and quantitative parameters were separated to indicate the circumstances. The qualitative parameters were illustrated using percentages, while the quantitative parameters were described as the average…”

Improving knowledge and innovations to tackle Covid-19 pandemic

“…11,12 Scottish Medical Journal, the oldest academic publication in Medicine in Scotland received its impact factor this year, however the national and international impact of this journal on readership in Medicine has not been measured and does not reflect in impact factor number. We have been publishing a far more number of case reports, 13 opinions and practice points 14 which traditionally are poor in attracting a higher number of citations in comparison to randomised controlled trials and large meta analysis. 15 Going into future, we need to make a decision as whether we have change our strategy to better our competitiveness in race of impact factor improvement and how we get ahead in this contest.…”