What is acral melanoma? Symptoms of skin cancer on black and brown skin to look out for

A female doctor talks with her patient in front of her as they talk about her concerns.
There are signs and symptoms you need to keep an dye out for -Credit:Getty


Each May, the spotlight intensifies on skin cancer to boost awareness and educate those who might be unknowingly living with the condition.

However, acral melanoma often misses out on the limelight, prompting Melanoma UK to highlight it in their latest Beauty Spotters campaign this year.

The initiative is designed to help people spot the signs of acral melanoma, which is particularly prevalent in black and brown skin.

Melanoma UK's CEO Mark Rawden said: "Beauty Spotters is our launch campaign for Melanoma Awareness Month this year. As a charity, we are expanding our efforts beyond traditional discussions of solely sun-related skin cancers.

"Our focus has been sharpened around not just raising awareness but campaigning for behaviour change to increase the likelihood of melanoma being spotted amongst all people."

But what is acral melanoma, and which symptoms should you keep an eye out for? Here's what one health expert says you need to know.

What is acral melanoma and what causes it?

This is an undated HANDOUT photo of Dr Ross Perry.  See PA Feature HEALTH Acral Melanoma. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Acral Melanoma. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Cosmedics/PA

NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Acral Melanoma
Dr Ross Perry -Credit:Cosmedics/PA

Acral melanoma typically manifests on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands or beneath the nails, explains Dr Ross Perry, a skin cancer specialist, GP, and medical director at Cosmedics Skin Clinics UK.

He explains: "It is a relatively rare type of melanoma that can affect anyone, but is more common in people with darker skin and of Asian descent. As with most types of skin cancer caused by UV sun exposure, acral melanoma is not related to sun exposure but often down to genetics.

"Unfortunately, acral melanoma, due to where it occurs, is harder to be noticed unlike a changing mole on the body and therefore it can spread far quicker and is seen as one of the more dangerous types of skin cancer, with death rates higher than any other forms of melanoma."

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Who is most at risk of getting it?

Anyone can get acral melanoma, however it is more common in people with a darker skin tone, such as those who are Hispanic, Black and Asian. It is also more common in older generations, Perry explained.

What are the signs and symptoms?

This is an undated HANDOUT photo of acral melanoma symptoms.  See PA Feature HEALTH Acral Melanoma. WARNING: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Acral Melanoma. PA Photo. Photo credit should read: Melanoma UK/PA

NOTE TO EDITORS: This picture must only be used to accompany PA Feature HEALTH Acral Melanoma
Acral melanoma symptoms -Credit:Melanoma UK/PA

The signs of acral melanoma include a changing spot on a mole which is found on the foot or hand.

Perry said: "A streak on the nail which worsens and has damaged the fingernail, an irregular changing growth on the hand or the foot which looks unusual in colour, texture and growth, a thickened unusual patch which is growing on the sole of the feet or the palm of the hand."

He stressed that often people assume they have a bruise, a simple wart or blood blister and are not aware it could be acral melanoma, urging people to get checked by your GP."

How do you treat it?

The doctor stresses: "As with any type of skin cancer or melanoma, an early diagnosis is the best scenario, so it's important to check the soles of the feet and palms of the hands for any changes. If in doubt, check it out with your GP or dermatologist.

"If caught in the early stages it can often be removed surgically. In more advanced cases, patients may need a lymph node biopsy and based on the results of this a treatment plan can be drawn up depending on whether the cancer has spread."

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