Melanoma: A Patient’s Guide
What Are The Types Of Melanoma?

Superficial Spreading Melanoma
Approximately 70 percent of melanomas are of the superficial spreading type. Generally, this type of melanoma is characterized by a pre-existing mole that slowly changes over a period of one to five years and which is then followed by a period of rapid changes close to the time that the melanoma is diagnosed. Typically, this type of melanoma first appears as a very dark area in an existing mole. The edges also change and can appear "lacy." As the lesion enlarges, the edges usually appear notched or indented. Superficial spreading melanoma can appear anytime after puberty and is seen more often in women than in men.

Nodular Melanoma
Nodular melanoma is the second most common type of melanoma, accounting for approximately 15 to 30 percent of cases. These melanomas usually do not appear in an existing nevi. Instead, they start as melanomas and are often darker in color than the superficial spreading type. Nodular melanomas typically take on a blue-black appearance and look like blood blisters. Some may have shades of purple, gray or red in them, or lack color and have a fleshy appearance. They are usually 1cm to 2cm or larger in diameter. Some have a stalk and cauliflower-like appearance. These tend to be particularly trouble-some lesions. Nodular melanomas appear more often in men and are usually seen in middle age, although they can appear at any age.

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
A small percentage of melanomas, 4 to 10 percent, are lentigo maligna melanomas. They differ greatly from other types in that they usually do not metastasize, that is, spread to other parts of the body. They are seen most often on the face and neck, are typically large (greater than 3cm) and are tan-colored with shades of brown. They appear most often in Caucasian women who are over the age of 50.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
Acral lentiginous melanomas generally occur on the palms of the hand or the soles of the feet. They can also be seen under a fingernail or toenail. Their incidence is low in Caucasians (only 2 to 8 percent of those having melanoma), but substantially higher among darker-skinned individuals with melanoma (approximately 35 to 60 percent). They appear on average over a two-and one-half-year period and resemble a flat tan or brown stain with the color looking haphazard. It is common for this type of melanoma to break into a sore. Acral lentiginous melanoma is usually seen in persons who are over the age of 60.

What does the term "unknown primary" mean?

Melanoma - A Guide For Patients

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