Melanoma classification

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Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]

Types of primary melanoma

Superficial spreading melanoma on the right leg of a 63-year-old man. This is an asymmetric black and 2 cm nodule with variable color, texture and well demarcated border.

The most common types of Melanoma in the skin:

• superficial spreading melanoma (SSM)
• nodular melanoma
• acral lentiginous melanoma
• lentigo maligna (melanoma)

Any of the above types may produce melanin (and be dark in colour) or not (and be amelanotic - not dark). Similarly any subtype may show desmoplasia (dense fibrous reaction with neurotropism) which is a marker of aggressive behaviour and a tendency to local recurrence.

Elsewhere:

• clear cell sarcoma (Melanoma of Soft Parts)
• mucosal melanoma
• uveal melanoma