Types Of Melanoma Skin Cancer!

Melanoma may not be the most common form of skin cancer, but it is a serious condition because it often spreads from its site of origin to other body parts. This type of cancer develops when the cells that produce pigments become cancerous.

Melanoma can show up on any part of the skin, but certain areas of the skin are more likely to be affected. For example – in men, melanoma is likely to be spotted on the back and chest, while in the case of women, the most common site are the legs, face and the neck.

Different forms of melanoma

Melanoma skin cancer can be categorized into four types, such as the following –

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma

This form of melanoma skin cancer is very common in youngsters and accounts for nearly 70% of all cases. It briefly develops along the top layer of the skin before penetrating deep into it.

You might notice a slightly raised or flat discoloured patch with irregular borders on the skin. The colour usually varies, the usual ones being tan, black, brown, white, or red. This type of melanoma can arise as a new lesion, or develop in a previously non-cancerous mole.

• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Lentigo maligna melanoma too develops close to the skin surface for a brief period, usually in the form of a flat or slightly elevated mottled tan, dark brown or brown discolouration. Elderly people with damaged or chronically sun-exposed skin are prone to this type of skin cancer.

• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

The least common type of skin cancer, acral lentiginous melanoma also metastasizes superficially before perforating deep into the skin. Usually, it appears as a brown or black discolouration on the palms, soles of the feet, or under toenails or fingernails. People with a darker skin tone are most likely to develop this type of cancer.

• Nodular Melanoma

Nodular melanoma spreads faster than the other types and is commonly observed on the neck, head, back or chest. As it grows, the visible bump on the skin may lose its colour and become brown or red.

A specialist will study the symptoms of cancer, and determine how far the disease has spread before deciding on the line of treatment. Be sure to consult an oncologist to get yourself checked for melanoma skin cancer.