Malignant Melanoma
© 2008 by Seth A. Rubenstein, D.P.M.

A 62 year old male was referred to our practice by a dermatologist, following diagnosis of Malignant Melanoma of the right heel (Figure 1). The patient underwent wide excision and biopsy (Figure 2).

Fig. 1

Fig. 2

The patient was then referred to a general surgeon for a sentinel node biopsy to determine if any proximal spread of the cancer had occurred (Figure 3 and 4). The lymph node biopsy was negative.

Fig. 3

Fig. 4

The patient was then brought back to the operating room where an allograph (Integra) was applied and covered with a wound-VAC dressing to help expedite healing. (Figure 5). After four weeks of treatment the Wound VAC therapy was discontinued (Figure 6).

Fig. 5

Fig. 6

A skin graft is then applied, with complete healing at 3 months post operative (Figure 7).

fig. 7