Get Educated and Get Undressed, You Might Just Save Your Partners Life: A Case Report

Abstract

Melanoma is a potentially fatal skin cancer with well established risk factors. While skin of color patients have a lower overall incidence of melanoma, delays in diagnosis translate to worse outcomes. Cultural misconceptions, lack of sun protective habits, occupational exposures, and systemic barriers contribute to this disparity. This case report describes an 83-year-old Hispanic male whose invasive scalp melanoma was discovered by his spouse after she received skin cancer education during her routine dermatology visit. A biopsy showed stage pT2b malignant melanoma with a Breslow thickness of at least 1.6 mm, ulceration, and 8+mitoses/mm2. The patient underwent successful excision followed by adjuvant pembrolizumab and ongoing surveillance with dermatology and medical oncology. His history included extensive sun exposure as a farmer in the Dominican Republic, no sunscreen use, and prior sunburns. This case highlights the life-saving impact of partner involvement and patient education in early melanoma detection. Research supports that married patients are more likely to present with earlier-stage tumors and are more likely to follow the recommended interventions. This case underscores the need for targeted education for high-risk occupations such as those working in agricultural settings, where economic and environmental barriers may affect overall photoprotection. Dermatology clinicians must advocate for enhanced outreach, workplace protections, and patient education strategies, particularly for underserved populations. Tools like brochures, ABCDE bookmarks, and patient handouts are invaluable. Finally, empowering couples to regularly perform skin checks can lead to earlier detection and improved outcomes, making skin checks a shared and proactive health habit.