Understanding Your Type of Melanoma

Most types of melanoma begin in the skin, called cutaneous melanoma. But melanoma can also begin in other organs. It can begin in the eye, called ocular melanoma. These can cause vision loss in all or part of an eye and often spread to the liver if not diagnosed early. Another type of melanoma begins in mucous membranes, such as the mouth, rectum, or vagina. These are called mucosal melanomas.

Types of Cutaneous Melanoma

Cutaneous melanomas are classified into these subgroups.

• Superficial spreading. This is the most common form, making up 40% of all cutaneous melanomas. These grow along the skin for a long time before invading the skin more deeply. They often have irregular shapes and are several shades of brown or other colors, such as black, blue, or red.

• Nodular. These are black, dome-shaped lesions. They tend to change size quickly. [Note: Some pathologists no longer use the terms superficial or nodular, but describe the growths in terms of vertical growth and ulceration.]

• Acral lentigenous. These are found on the palms of your hands or soles of your feet. This type is found more often in people with naturally darker skin.

• Subungal. This type occurs underneath fingernails or toenails. If a dark area on a nail doesn’t grow out, get it checked by your doctor. It can be confused with a blood clot under the nail bed.

• Lentigo maligna. Common in older people, these lesions are typically flat and large, spreading widely along the surface of the skin. They often begin as benign lesions on the face or other sun-exposed area.

• Desmoplastic/neurotropic. These melanomas show up as small nodules on the skin. They also travel and grow along nerves in the skin and can cause the development of fibrous tissue.

• Amelanotic melanoma. These melanomas are often pink or flesh-colored. They are variants of the more common melanomas because they don’t make pigment. As a result, they can be mistaken for a pimple or nonmalignant lesion.