Early detection matters: identifying and treating acral lesions safely and accurately
When it comes to skin cancer, not all lesions appear on sun-exposed areas. Some develop in places we least expect — on the palms, soles, fingers, toes, and under the nails. These are known as acral lesions, and while many are harmless, some can be signs of acral lentiginous melanoma (ALM), a rare but serious type of skin cancer.
At Skin Check Australia, our doctors are trained to detect, diagnose, and manage acral lesions using advanced dermoscopic and digital imaging technology — ensuring every spot is assessed with precision.
What Are Acral Lesions?
Acral lesions refer to any mark, mole, or pigmentation that appears on the extremities — particularly:
- Palms of the hands
- Soles of the feet
- Fingertips and toes
- Nail beds and surrounding skin
They may present as dark patches, streaks under the nails, or raised spots. While some are benign (like calluses or harmless pigmentation), others can be early signs of melanoma, which can easily be overlooked without professional assessment.
Why Acral Lesions Are Often Misdiagnosed
Acral lentiginous melanoma can resemble harmless conditions such as fungal infections, bruises, or warts. Because these areas are not routinely checked — and because ALM often develops in people with all skin tones, even those who don’t typically burn — diagnosis may be delayed.
Early detection is critical. Once melanoma spreads beyond the skin, treatment becomes more complex and survival rates decrease.
How Skin Check Australia Identifies Acral Lesions
At Skin Check Australia, we use advanced dermoscopy and digital imaging to assess all types of lesions, including those on the palms, soles, and nails. Our comprehensive approach includes:
- Full-body skin examination — ensuring no area is missed, including hands, feet, and nail beds.
- Dermoscopy — a specialised magnified light that reveals unique pigmentation and structural patterns invisible to the naked eye.
- Digital mole mapping — high-resolution imaging to track changes in acral lesions over time.
- Expert review and diagnosis — performed by experienced skin cancer doctors who can distinguish between benign lesions and those requiring biopsy or removal.
Treatment Options for Acral Lesions
If a suspicious acral lesion is detected, your clinician will discuss next steps, which may include:
- Biopsy: A small tissue sample is taken for microscopic analysis.
- Surgical excision: If melanoma is confirmed, the lesion is removed with clear margins.
- Ongoing monitoring: Benign lesions may simply be documented and reviewed regularly.
- Reconstruction or wound care: For larger excisions (especially on palms or soles), we provide wound care guidance to promote optimal healing.
Early treatment of acral melanoma dramatically improves outcomes — the earlier it’s found, the higher the cure rate.
Prevention and Self-Monitoring Tips
While acral melanomas are not caused by sun exposure, you can still take proactive steps:
- Examine your hands, feet, and nails monthly for new spots or changes.
- Look for dark streaks under the nail or asymmetrical patches on the soles.
- Schedule professional skin checks every 6–12 months.
- Report any persistent or unusual lesions immediately to your GP or skin cancer specialist.
Why Choose Skin Check Australia
- Comprehensive full-body checks that include hands, feet, and nails.
- State-of-the-art diagnostic tools for early and accurate detection.
- Experienced clinicians specialising in melanoma and high-risk lesion management.
- Convenient clinics across Queensland and Australia for easy access to expert care.
Your skin deserves expert attention — and at Skin Check Australia, we make sure every part of it is protected.
Book Your Skin Check Today
Don’t ignore that spot on your palm, sole, or nail. Early detection saves lives.
📞 Call Skin Check Australia or Book Your Skin Check Online today for a comprehensive acral lesion assessment. https://portal.coreplus.com.au/SkinCheckAustralia