Melanoma in patients with skin of color

Abstract

Cutaneous melanoma is far less common in skin of color patients than in non-Hispanic White individuals but carries a poorer prognosis. Melanomas in skin of color populations are more often identified on sun-protected locations such as acral surfaces, nail units, and mucous membranes, making them challenging to detect in early stages due to unfamiliar clinical and dermatoscopic features. Additionally, racial health care disparities compound the difficulty in diagnosis and ultimately contribute to poorer prognosis. We explore the epidemiology, clinical presentation, and health care disparities surrounding melanoma in skin of color individuals to increase awareness of the intricacies and nuances in identifying these malignancies.