# Malignant Melanoma of the Foot in Five Elderly Patients: Clinicopathologic Features and Treatment Outcomes

## TL;DR

This paper reports on five elderly patients with foot melanoma, highlighting late diagnosis challenges and treatment outcomes.

## Contribution

The study provides clinicopathologic insights and treatment outcomes for foot melanoma in elderly patients.

## Key findings

- Foot melanomas in elderly patients are often diagnosed at advanced stages.
- Recurrence occurred in one patient, showing the aggressive nature of the disease.
- Treatment included surgery, lymph node dissection, and chemotherapy for high-risk cases.

## Abstract

Malignant melanoma, an aggressive neoplasm of melanocytes, remains a leading cause of skin cancer-related deaths globally, with rising incidence among elderly populations. Foot melanomas are often diagnosed at advanced stages due to delayed detection and misdiagnosis. They exhibit poorer outcomes compared to melanomas at other sites. This case series presents five elderly patients (ages 58-80) with malignant melanoma of the foot, detailing their clinicopathological features, treatment strategies, and outcomes. All cases presented with advanced disease, emphasizing the challenges of late diagnosis in this demographic. Histopathological evaluation confirmed nodular, superficial spreading, and acral lentiginous subtypes, with Breslow thicknesses ranging from 1.5 mm to 3.5 cm. Management involved wide local excision, lymph node dissection, and adjuvant chemotherapy in high-risk cases. Recurrence occurred in one patient, underscoring the aggressive nature of the disease. The series highlights the necessity of early detection, multidisciplinary care, and tailored adjuvant therapies to improve outcomes in elderly patients with foot melanoma.