Superficial Spreading Melanoma

Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common subtype of invasive melanoma, compromising nearly 75% of all malignant melanomas. These melanomas can occur anywhere in the body and at any age, but have a predilection for the back in men and lower extremities in women. It typically presents as a variably pigmented plaque with an irregular border. The lesions can be red, brown, blue, black and white. Histologically, superficial spreading melanomas are asymmetric and poorly circumscribed.



Pampena R, Kyrgidis A, Lallas A, Moscarella E, Argenziano G, Longo C. A meta-analysis of nevus-associated melanoma: Prevalence and practical implications. J Am Acad Dermatol. 2017;77(5):938-945.e4.