Summary
Subungual melanoma is uncommon. Traditional teaching advocates amputation of the affected
digit. Recent studies have shown that more distal levels of amputations do not compromise
survival or recurrence rates. When the thumb is involved, functional and aesthetic
loss can be substantial. We present a new conservative, digit-sparing approach in
the treatment of subungual melanoma of the thumb. Four informed patients were recruited
to undergo the new treatment. Local excision with 1 cm margins down to and including the periosteum was carried out. Reconstruction was
with a local flap. There has been one recurrence and no deaths with a minimum of 6
years follow up. In selected cases, conservative management of subungual melanoma
allows preservation of length and minimises disability.
Keywords
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Article info
Publication history
Published online: February 05, 2007
Accepted:
October 27,
2006
Received:
November 30,
2005
Footnotes
☆This paper was presented at the British Association of Plastic Surgeons Summer Meeting 2004.
Identification
Copyright
© 2006 British Association of Plastic, Reconstructive and Aesthetic Surgeons. Published by Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.
