Early Malignant Melanoma Detection, Especially in Persons with Pigmented Skin.

Early detection of malignant melanoma is associated with better survival and clinical outcomes. Visual skin inspection is part of melanoma lesion assessment, but clinicians often have difficulty identifying lesions in persons with darker skin tones (eg, Fitzpatrick type 5 [brown] and type 6 [black] skin). There is also a lack of knowledge about the skin sites that are best to evaluate in persons with darkly pigmented skin (eg, the plantar surface of the feet, palms of the hand, and under the nail plate). These limitations can lead to a delay in diagnosis with potentially poor prognostic outcomes. In this article, the authors identify relevant literature to increase awareness for the presence of early signs of malignant melanoma in all skin types. Patient empowerment includes lifestyle adaptations, such as conducting regular skin and foot self-examinations to detect melanoma signs and applying sun protection on feet.