Ulcer Foot - Malignant Melanoma - a Case Report

Malignant melanoma is fatal skin cancer when detected and treated early prognosis will be good. Recent reports indicate rising incidence globally. This case study indicates how the people neglect the problems so much. A female patient aged 65 years presented with a painful non healing ulcer with pigmented margins of eighteen months duration on plantar aspect of the right heel. Three lymph nodes were present in the right inguinal region aspirated and obtained tarry coloured fluid revealed malignant melanoma cells with melanin pigment. Biopsy report confirmed the diagnosis that nodular aggregates of infiltrating melanoma cells with melanin pigment in the background of necrosis. Malignant melanoma remains one of the most challenging malignant neoplasm, particularly in developing countries where majority of patients present with late stage disease. Size of the ulcer indicates negligence of the patient. Health education may lead to future decline in morbidity and mortality.