Superficial Spreading Melanoma
A superficial spreading malignant melanoma. Used with kind permission from Stuart Waterston and the University of Aberdeen.
A superficial spreading malignant melanoma on the ankle of an elderly gentleman.
Seen here marked for surgical excision, this lesion displays some classic characteristics of a superficial spreading melanoma: irregular colour, border, site and large size (>7mm).
This is a good example of a superficial spreading melanoma. It displays all of the features described below.
This is a very good example of a superficial spreading melanoma on the shoulder of a middle aged man, displaying all of the features listed below.
This lesion also demonstrates a nodular component, as well as the area of prominent superficial spreading melanoma, seen at the top left of the picture.
Similarly, as shown in Figure 6, this melanoma displays some features of a superficial spreading type as well as a nodular element to the right of the image.
Variable pigmentation with uneven edges- very suspicious of melanoma.
Variable pigmentation with uneven edges- very suspicious of melanoma.
Large heavily pigmented lesion, very suspicious of melanoma
Large lesion with variable pigmentation, very suspicious of melanoma
Features
Clinically, this lesion presents as a flat or slightly elevated pigmented lesion (usually brown), with variegate pigmentation and surrounding discolouration. The border is asymmetric and irregular. Lesions tend to be >7mm in diameter. They are most common on the trunk in men, but are more commonly found on the legs in women.
Incidence
This is the most common subtype of melanoma, comprising roughly 70% of malignant melanomas. Superficial spreading melanoma affects young, as well as older, adults.
