Which clinicopathological subtype of malignant melanoma is the MOST common in deeply pigmented races such as Africans, Asians, and Indians?

• A Superficial spreading melanoma
• B Lentigo maligna melanoma
• C Acral lentiginous melanoma ✓
• D Nodular melanoma

Explanation

Acral lentiginous melanoma arises on palms, soles, and subungual sites, areas lacking chronic sun exposure, and accounts for the majority of melanomas in darkly pigmented populations where sun-related subtypes are rare. In fair-skinned Caucasians, superficial spreading melanoma predominates instead. Indian exam convention emphasises this contrast between population groups, making acral lentiginous the expected answer.

Reference: Fitzpatrick's Dermatology, 9th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

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