National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences Genetic and Rare Diseases Information Center, a program of the National Center for Advancing and Translational Sciences

Acral lentiginous melanoma


Other Names:
ALM; Subungual melanoma; Palmar/plantar melanoma; ALM; Subungual melanoma; Palmar/plantar melanoma; Acral lentiginous malignant melanoma of skin See More
Categories:
Acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM) is a type of melanoma that occurs on the palms of the hands or the soles of the feet. The condition can develop in normal-appearing skin or within an existing mole. ALM begins as a flat patch of discolored skin that may enlarge slowly over time. Although the cancer cells often remain contained at the skins surface (epidermis) initially, ALM can become invasive and spread as the condition advances. Like other flat forms of melanoma, it can be recognized by the ABCDE rule. Although ALM affects men and women of all skin colors equally, is it most commonly diagnosed in people over age 40. The underlying cause of ALM is poorly understood. It is not related to sun exposure like other forms of skin cancer. Initial treatment generally consists of surgery to remove the skin lesion. Additional therapy (such as radiation therapy or immunotherapy) may then be recommended depending on the severity of the condition.[1][2]
Last updated: 4/3/2017

FDA-Approved Treatments

The medication(s) listed below have been approved by the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) as orphan products for treatment of this condition. Learn more orphan products.

Research helps us better understand diseases and can lead to advances in diagnosis and treatment. This section provides resources to help you learn about medical research and ways to get involved.

Clinical Research Resources

  • ClinicalTrials.gov lists trials that are related to Acral lentiginous melanoma. Click on the link to go to ClinicalTrials.gov to read descriptions of these studies.

    Please note: Studies listed on the ClinicalTrials.gov website are listed for informational purposes only; being listed does not reflect an endorsement by GARD or the NIH. We strongly recommend that you talk with a trusted healthcare provider before choosing to participate in any clinical study.

Support and advocacy groups can help you connect with other patients and families, and they can provide valuable services. Many develop patient-centered information and are the driving force behind research for better treatments and possible cures. They can direct you to research, resources, and services. Many organizations also have experts who serve as medical advisors or provide lists of doctors/clinics. Visit the group’s website or contact them to learn about the services they offer. Inclusion on this list is not an endorsement by GARD.

Organizations Supporting this Disease

Living with a genetic or rare disease can impact the daily lives of patients and families. These resources can help families navigate various aspects of living with a rare disease.

Financial Resources

  • Good Days provides help to patients with life-altering conditions. Assistance includes help with the cost of medications and travel.
  • The HealthWell Foundation provides financial assistance for underinsured patients living with chronic and life-altering conditions. They offer help with drug copayments, deductibles, and health insurance premiums for patients with specific diseases. The disease fund status can change over time, so you may need to check back if funds are not currently available.
  • Patient Access Network Foundation (PAN Foundation) has Assistance Programs for those with health insurance who reside in the United States. The disease fund status can change over time, so you may need to check back if funds are not currently available. 
  • The Assistance Fund provides various services, including education and financial aid, to help patients with a chronic or serious illness cover the cost of FDA-approved medications. Patients must be U.S citizens or permanent residents.

These resources provide more information about this condition or associated symptoms. The in-depth resources contain medical and scientific language that may be hard to understand. You may want to review these resources with a medical professional.

In-Depth Information

  • Medscape Reference provides information on this topic. You may need to register to view the medical textbook, but registration is free.
  • The Monarch Initiative brings together data about this condition from humans and other species to help physicians and biomedical researchers. Monarch’s tools are designed to make it easier to compare the signs and symptoms (phenotypes) of different diseases and discover common features. This initiative is a collaboration between several academic institutions across the world and is funded by the National Institutes of Health. Visit the website to explore the biology of this condition.
  • PubMed is a searchable database of medical literature and lists journal articles that discuss Acral lentiginous melanoma. Click on the link to view a sample search on this topic.

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  1. Dr Amanda Oakley. Acral lentiginous melanoma. DermNet New Zealand. 2011; http://www.dermnetnz.org/topics/acral-lentiginous-melanoma/.
  2. Goydos JS, Shoen SL. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma. Cancer Treat Res. 2016; 167:321-329.