Superficial Spreading Melanoma
Image Description
This image shows radial phase of a superficial spreading melanoma consisting of large nests of highly atypical melanocytes with abundant melanin pigment at dermoepidermal junction. Small clusters and single cells are seen invading the papillary dermis. Numerous dermal melanophages are also present.
The radial phase includes melanoma-in-situ as well as microinvasion into papillary dermis (microinvasive radial growth phase) consisting of single cells or small clusters histologically similar to their intraepidermal counterpart. Features of regression may be present. There are no mitoses. Microinvasive radial growth phase lacks metastatic potential and has excellent prognosis.
The radial phase includes melanoma-in-situ as well as microinvasion into papillary dermis (microinvasive radial growth phase) consisting of single cells or small clusters histologically similar to their intraepidermal counterpart. Features of regression may be present. There are no mitoses. Microinvasive radial growth phase lacks metastatic potential and has excellent prognosis.