Specific Melanomas
Superficial Spreading Melanoma. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common and most curable. It is flat, asymmetrical, unevenly colored, and usually grows outward across the surface of the skin.
Nodular Melanoma. Nodular melanoma appears as a fast-growing brown or black lump, and its characteristics do not always fit the definitions described above. It is important to check for this type of melanoma, because it is associated with an outbreak of other tumors.
Lentigo Maligna. Lentigo maligna (sometimes called Hutchinson's freckle) usually occurs in elderly people and is marked by flat, mottled, tan-to-brown freckle-like spots with irregular borders. These lesions often appear on the face or other sun-exposed areas and typically enlarge slowly for 5 to 15 years before cancer appears.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma. Although rare, acral lentiginous melanoma is the most common melanoma among African and Asian populations. It commonly appears as a dark patch on the palms, soles, fingers, toes, under fingernails or toenails, or mucous membranes.
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