Journal of Clinical and Investigative Dermatology
Case Report
Nodular Presentation of Acral Melanoma: A Case Series of Four Filipino Patients
Rochelle Gabrielle G. Galvez*, Katherine Joy B. Sayo-Aguiling and Ma., and Christina B. Gulfan
Department of Dermatology, Jose R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center,
Manila, Philippines
*Address for Correspondence: Rochelle Gabrielle G. Galvez, Department of Dermatology, Jose
R. Reyes Memorial Medical Center, Manila, Philippines E-mail Id: rochelleggalvez@gmail.com
Submission: 09 October, 2025
Accepted: 29 October, 2025
Published: 31 October, 2025
Copyright: © 2025 Galvez RGG, et al. This is an open access
article distributed under the Creative Commons Attribution License,
which permits unrestricted use, distribution, and reproduction in
any medium, provided the original work is properly cited.
Keywords:Melanoma; Acral Melanoma; Acral Nodular Melanoma;
Trauma
Abstract
Cutaneous melanoma (CM), recognized as the most aggressive
form of skin cancer, presents a significant global health burden.
Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a distinct subtype of CM
primarily affecting individuals with darker skin tones, poses diagnostic
challenges due to its diverse clinical presentations. While ALM is
commonly characterized by flat, pigmented lesions, rare reports
have documented its manifestation as a nodular growth. This
case series includes four Filipino cases of nodular ALM, allowing
for a comprehensive analysis and comparison with typical ALM
presentations. Additionally, two case reports of ALM progressing to
nodular growth are presented, further highlighting the clinical variation
within this subtype. The series underscores the importance of accurate
diagnosis through histopathological examination and specific stains,
enabling differentiation from other conditions. Treatment strategies
involve wide local excision or amputation, with additional therapeutic
options for advanced cases. Improved awareness among healthcare
professionals regarding nodular presentations of ALM is crucial for early
detection and optimal management. Further research is needed to
enhance our understanding and refine management strategies for this
challenging subtype of melanoma.
