PAEA Surgery End Of Rotation (EOR) Practice Exam

Which melanoma type is most likely to occur in individuals with darker skin tones?

1. Nodular melanoma

2. Superficial spreading melanoma

3. Acral lentiginous melanoma

4. Amelanotic melanoma

The correct answer is: Acral lentiginous melanoma

Acral lentiginous melanoma is the type most commonly associated with individuals with darker skin tones. This variant of melanoma typically arises on non-sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, and under the nails. This contrasts with other melanoma types, which tend to develop in areas more frequently exposed to sunlight, making acral lentiginous melanoma especially significant among people with darker skin, who have a lower incidence of melanoma overall compared to individuals with lighter skin. Nodular melanoma, while aggressive and often presenting as a darkly pigmented lesion, does not have a strong association with darker skin tones and is more common in individuals with fair skin. Superficial spreading melanoma, the most frequent type overall, is primarily linked with sun exposure and largely affects lighter-skinned populations. Amelanotic melanoma, which is characterized by a lack of pigmentation, can occur across different skin types but lacks the specific association with darker skin that acral lentiginous melanoma has. Therefore, the association of acral lentiginous melanoma with individuals of darker skin tones makes it the most relevant choice in this context.