Medicine
Dermatoscopic Patterns in Early Detection of Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
Quick fact
Acral lentiginous melanoma, the most common melanoma in people with darker skin, often appears on the palms, soles, or under the nails. Dermatoscopy can detect it early by revealing a specific 'parallel ridge pattern'—pigmentation that follows the skin's friction ridges—which is rarely seen in benign lesions.
Why this is interesting
Imagine a dark spot on your foot that looks harmless but could be deadly. How can a simple dermatoscope reveal its true nature?