PIGMENTED MACULES ON PALMS AND SOLES IN PUERTO-RICANS

Background. One-third of melanomas in Puerto Ricans occur on the skin of palms and soles. This, is a study to define the characteristics of melanocytic nevi in those locations. Methods. A sample of 1,039 patients were randomly examined for pigmented macules on the palms and soles. After informed consent, biopsies of these lesions were dons on 67 patients. Results. Among the patients, 13% were found to have pigmented macules on the palms and soles. Volar melanocytic macule was the most frequent lesion. Conclusions. Melanocytic nevi occur frequently on volar skin. The criteria for removal of these lesions should not be different from those lesions at other locations.