Nodular melanoma

Nodular melanoma
Classification and external resources
ICD-10	C43 (ILDS C43.L10)
ICD-O:	M8721/3

Evolution of a 4mm nodular melanoma.

Nodular melanoma (NM) is the most aggressive form of melanoma. It tends to grow more rapidly in thickness (penetrate the skin) than in diameter. Instead of arising from a pre-existing mole, it may appear in a spot where a lesion did not previously exist . Since NM tends to grow in depth more quickly than it does in width, and can occur in a place that did not have a previous lesion, the prognosis is often worse because it takes longer for a person to be aware of the changes. NM is most often darkly pigmented; however, some NM lesions can be light brown, multicolored or even colorless (non-pigmented). A light-colored or non-pigmented NM lesion may escape detection because the appearance is not alarming, however an ulcerated and/or bleeding lesion is common. ^[1]:696 Polypoid melanoma is a virulent variant of nodular melanoma.^[1]:696

The microscopic hallmarks are:

• Dome-shaped at low power
• Epidermis thin or normal
• Dermal nodule of melanocytes with a 'pushing' growth pattern
• No "radial growth phase"

See also

• Melanoma
• Polypoid melanoma

References

1. ^ ^{a b} James, William D.; Berger, Timothy G.; et al. (2006). Andrews' Diseases of the Skin: clinical Dermatology. Saunders Elsevier. ISBN 0-7216-2921-0. 

External links

• Melanoma Education Foundation
• Mole Map
• BC Cancer Agency
• Victoria (Australia) Nodular Melanoma Slides