Superficial Spreading Melanoma
Image Description
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common subtype accounting for almost 70% of all cutaneous melanomas. It can occur anywhere on the body but has a predilection for lower leg in females and upper back in males.
They usually have a flat or slightly elevated surface than the surrounding uninvolved skin, irregular margins with indentations, notches or scalloping, and variable pigmentation. The color ranges from tan, pink, white, brown, blue, and black. The lighter tan or pink areas in a deeply pigmented lesion usually correspond to foci of spontaneous regression (see upper right part of this lesion). The amelanotic variants are flesh-colored or appear erythematous. If one or more elevated firm blue-black nodules appear on the surface, it usually indicates the development of deep dermal invasion.
They usually have a flat or slightly elevated surface than the surrounding uninvolved skin, irregular margins with indentations, notches or scalloping, and variable pigmentation. The color ranges from tan, pink, white, brown, blue, and black. The lighter tan or pink areas in a deeply pigmented lesion usually correspond to foci of spontaneous regression (see upper right part of this lesion). The amelanotic variants are flesh-colored or appear erythematous. If one or more elevated firm blue-black nodules appear on the surface, it usually indicates the development of deep dermal invasion.