Malignant Melanoma

Recognized through the mnemonic, "A-B-C-D:" Asymmetry of contour, irregularity of Border and Color, and Diameter larger than 6 mm. Melanomas vary from macules to nodules. Color ranges from flesh tints to pitch black and mixtures of white, blue, purple, and red. Any pigmented skin lesion with recent change in appearance should be suspected. Malignant melanoma can exist in a superficial spreading mode for years and still be curable by excision with 1 to 2 cm margins. Once a vertical growth phase develops, rapid spread through blood and lymph vessels occurs. Histologic examination is required.