Melanoma Types

Nodular melanoma

Nodular Melanoma

Nodular Melanoma is more dangerous than its superficial spreading cousin.

Spread is entirely vertical with little or no radial spread. This is dangerous since vertical spread allows rapid access to lymphatic capillaries which are the usual mechanism of spread (or metasasis).

Its characteristic signs are:

• Well defined border
• Raised and uniformly black
• May be ulceration
• May be surrounded by inflamed skin

Rarely a nodular melanoma may have no pigment and is referred to as an amelanotic melanoma.