Can superficial spreading melanoma be raised?

Superficial spreading melanoma has many identifiable symptoms, including: Shape: It can be raised or flat and usually has an irregular shape and borders. It can also look like a freckle that’s growing sideways.

Can scalp melanoma spread?

Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It is derived from melanocytes, the skin’s pigment cells, and can spread quickly through the lymph nodes or blood-stream if not detected at an early stage. Scalp melanomas are more lethal than other melanomas.

How aggressive is scalp melanoma?

There is a very aggressive (rapid vertical phase), which may present on non-sun-exposed areas (de novo). These tumors are blue-black but may lack pigment. They often have a poor prognosis. Lentigo maligna melanomas represent 4 to 10% of melanomas.

Is superficial spreading melanoma the same as melanoma in situ?

If all the melanoma cells are confined to the epidermis it is termed a melanoma in situ. When the cancerous cells have grown through the basement membrane and into the dermis it is known as invasive melanoma and is termed a superficial spreading melanoma.

When does superficial spreading melanoma occur in adults?

Over time it penetrates deeper into the skin. This cancer can occur in adults of all ages. When people under 40 develop melanoma, it tends to be superficial spreading melanoma. Spending a lot of time in the sun or in tanning beds is a major risk factor for superficial spreading melanoma.

What’s the difference between nodular and superficial melanoma?

Nodular Melanoma. Instead of having a horizontal growth phase like a superficial spreading malignant melanoma, this has a quicker vertical growth phase meaning that the tumor invades the dermis at a faster rate. Therefore, the tumor often is deeper at the time of diagnosis and, as a result, has a poorer prognosis.

How does vertical growth affect the prognosis of melanoma?

Instead of having a horizontal growth phase like a superficial spreading malignant melanoma, this has a quicker vertical growth phase meaning that the tumor invades the dermis at a faster rate. Therefore, the tumor often is deeper at the time of diagnosis and, as a result, has a poorer prognosis.

What kind of melanoma is found in the Sun?

Lentigo maligna melanomas are typically found on sun-exposed areas of the skin in adults and are clearly linked to exposure to the sun. Often many years pass between the first appearance of this melanoma and when it becomes invasive.