Melanoma Types

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There are 4 major melanoma classification types that have distinct characteristics  and potential for metastasis:

1. Superficial Spreading Melanoma (SSM)
   Superficial Spreading Melanoma (SSM) is the most common form of melanoma skin cancer, counting 70% of all melanomas. Superficial Spreading Melanoma mostly found at people at the age of fiftieths. This melanoma skin cancer type is more commonly found on the trunk, upper arms,  and thighs, and is the  most common form of melanoma in white races. When this melanoma type in early stage its usually appear flat, with irregular borders. Superficial Spreading Melanoma remains in the  flat phase for a shorter period of time than the lentigo maligna type  before it penetrates into the deeper levels of the skin.
   
2. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (LMM).
   Lentigo maligna melanoma (LMM) count 10% of all melanoma cases that arises from lentigo maligna. This melanoma type is found most commonly on sun-exposed skin in elderly individuals (median age, 70 years). Lentigo maligna melanoma grows very slow, it needs about 5 to 15 years to develop into an invasive melanoma.
   
3. Nodular Melanoma (NM)
   Nodular melanoma (NM) counting 15% overall and the most aggressive among all melanoma types. This melanoma type can appear anywhere on the body and  occurs more often in              males than females. It can develop at any age; however, it  is most              often seen in people aged 60 and older. Nodular melanoma does not have a radial growth phase and is associated with rapid  evolution to vertical growth and invasion of the dermis. For this  reason, nodular melanomas tend to be thicker, more high-risk lesions.
   
4. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (ALM).
   Acral lentiginous melanoma usually occurs on the palms, soles, and subungual regions. Unlike  other forms of melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma does not  appear to  be linked to sun exposure. This melanoma type count 5% of all cutaneous melanomas. Acral lentiginous melanoma constitutes a substantially higher proportion of melanomas in dark-skinned individuals such as African Americans, Asians, and Hispanics.

Other Type of Melanoma:

• Polypoid melanoma
• Desmoplastic melanoma
• Amelanotic melanoma
• Soft-tissue melanoma
• Mucosal melanoma
• Melanoma with small  nevus-like cells
• Melanoma with features  of a Spitz nevus
• Uveal melanoma

Main Article: Melanoma Cancer Stage