What is Superficial Spreading Melanoma

Prevalence: the most common subtype of melanoma, accounting for 70-80% of all cases.

Incidence: most common in middle age, from the fourth to fifth decade, slightly more common in females than males and usually affects Caucasians.

Anatomic site: Any area of the skin may be affected but they are most often found on the upper back of both men and women and on the legs of women.

Clinical appearance: Superficial Spreading Melanoma lesions tend to be greater than 6 mm in diameter, flat and asymmetric with varying colors.

Specific features: The hallmark of Superficial Spreading Melanoma is the haphazard combination of many colors, but it may be uniformly brown or black. Colors may become more diverse as time proceeds. A dull red color is frequently observed, which may occupy a small area or may dominate the lesion.

Course: Superficial Spreading Melanoma begins in a pre-existing lesion, in a nonspecific manner and then changes shape by radial spread and regression.
The radial growth phase (lateral spread of lesions within the skin): may last for months or for years, before nodules develop. The random migration of cells, along with the process of regression, results in lesions with an endless variety of shapes and sizes. The shape is bizarre if left untreated for years.