Nodular melanoma

Abstract

Nodular melanoma is the second most common type of melanoma responsible for about 9–15% of invasive melanomas and up to 50% of melanomas thicker than 2 mm. It is most commonly seen in elderly men but can occur at any age and in both sexes [1]. Nodular melanoma arises in normal skin or in a precursor lesion but without the presence of a radial growth phase. Thus, nodular melanoma, even in its early stages, has the potential to metastasis. The classification of melanoma by subtype is based on anatomic, epidemiological and pattern of progression features. However, recent research has shown that there may also be molecular and genetic differences between melanoma subtypes.