Types of Melanoma
There are four different categories for melanoma. Three of these types of melanoma begin in and live in the top layer of the skin - in situ - that can later become invasive. The fourth type of melanoma is invasive from the beginning. Invasive melanomas are more dangerous because they are living in deeper layers of the skin and it is easier for them to spread to other parts of the body.
Superficial spreading melanoma
This is the most common type of melanoma that people get and it is most often seen in young people. Superficial spreading melanoma accounts for 70% of all melanoma cases.
This type of melanoma lives along the top layer of the skin for a long time before penetrating into deeper layers of skin. According to the Skin Care Foundation:
The first sign is the appearance of a flat or slightly raised discolored patch that has irregular borders and is somewhat geometrical in form. The color varies, and you may see areas of tan, brown, black, red, blue or white. This type of melanoma can occur in a previously benign mole. The melanoma can be found almost anywhere on the body, but is most likely to occur on the trunk in men, the legs in women, and the upper back in both.
Lentigo maligna
This type of melanoma is similar to superficial spreading melanoma. Lentigo maligna will stay close to the skin surface for a long time before penetrating into deeper layers of the skin. It usually appears as a flat or mildly elevated mottled tan, brown or dark brown discoloration.
This type of melanoma is most often found in the elderly and will appear on sun exposed, damaged skin on the ears, face, arms and upper trunk. In Hawaii, this is the most common form of melanoma.
Acral lentiginous melanoma
This type of melanoma spreads superficially but is commonly found in African Americans and Asians. It is least commonly seen in Caucasians. This form of melanoma is different from the other types as it usually appears as a black or brown discoloration under the nails or on the soles of the feet or palms of the hands.
Nodular melanoma
This is the most dangerous form of melanoma and it is usually invasive from the start. The malignancy is recognized when it becomes a bump. It is usually black, but occasionally is blue, gray, white, brown, tan, red or skin tone.
The most frequent locations are the trunk, legs, and arms, mainly of elderly people, as well as the scalp in men. This is the most aggressive of the melanomas, and is found in 10 to 15 percent of cases.
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