Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in cells called melanocytes, which produce the pigment melanin. There are several types of melanoma, and skin melanoma is the most common form.
Melanocytes exist in the skin, eyes, and mucus membranes.
This article outlines the four main types of skin melanoma, as well as some rarer types. It also provides information on eye melanoma and mucosal melanoma, as well as some frequently asked questions about melanoma.
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of skin melanoma, accounting for
These tumors usually grow outward on the surface of the skin, appearing as a dark spot
As the Moffit Cancer Center (MCC) explains, superficial spreading melanomas may not always appear darker than the surrounding skin.
Amelanotic melanoma is a subtype of superficial spreading melanoma that lacks the pigment melanin, which gives skin its color. As such, amelanotic melanomas may be clear, white, or skin-colored and may have a slight pink, red, or purple tint.
Some superficial spreading melanomas develop from existing moles, while others do not. Over time, these tumors may change shape or get bigger.
Nodular melanoma tumors typically appear as a distinct, raised bump on the skin. These bumps are often black or brown but may also be pink or red. Tumors that are lighter in color can be harder to detect during the early stages of the disease.
Nodular melanomas tend to grow downward into the deeper layers of the skin rather than outward across the skin. This means that people generally detect these tumors at a more advanced stage.
Although nodular melanomas account for just
Lentigo maligna melanoma tumors tend to develop in areas of skin that receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the face, ears, and arms.
These tumors first appear as an irregularly shaped spot that is tan or brown in color. They typically grow slowly and may change shape over time.
A 2024 study found that between the years 2000 and 2019, lentigo maligna melanoma and its precursor disease called lentigo maligna combined accounted for
Acral lentiginous melanoma, or acral melanoma, tumors grow in areas that do not receive a lot of sun exposure, such as the:
- palms of the hands
- soles of the feet
- nail beds
Acral melanoma is rare, accounting for only 1% to 3% of all melanoma diagnoses. However, the
According to the Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, there are four rare variants or subtypes of melanoma. Each begins in melanocyte cells.
The four types are:
- Amelanotic melanoma: This is a subtype of superficial spreading melanoma and accounts for around 5% of all melanomas.
- Nevoid melanoma: These tumors are typically dome-shaped and may be any color, including black, brown, red, or blue.
- Spitzoid melanoma: This type can be difficult to diagnose as it resembles an uncommon but benign mole called a spitz nevus.
- Desmoplastic melanoma: This type typically forms a spot that resembles a scar in texture and appearance. It tends to develop on the scalp, face, or neck, as well as sun-exposed areas of the arms and legs. Desmoplastic melanoma is rare, accounting for around 4% of all skin melanomas.
The American Academy of Ophthalmology explains that eye melanoma, or ocular melanoma, occurs in melanocytes within the eye.
Most ocular melanomas form in the part of the eye that a person cannot see when looking in the mirror, making them difficult to detect. Regular visits with an ophthalmologist can help with early detection.
Ocular melanoma is the most common form of eye cancer in adults. Nonetheless, the National Organization for Rare Disorders notes that ocular melanoma is extremely rare, affecting around 5 in every 1 million adults.
There are
- uveal melanoma, which develops in the middle layer of the eyeball
- conjunctival melanoma, which develops in the thin, clear membrane over the eye
Conjunctival melanoma is especially rare but very aggressive.
Mucosal melanoma develops in the mucous membranes, such as those that line the following parts of the body:
- mouth
- nose
- throat
- anus
- genital region
The symptoms of mucosal melanoma vary, depending on the location of the cancer, but may include:
- a lump or growth in the affected area
- bleeding or discharge from the affected area
- pain or discomfort in the affected area
- hemorrhoids that do not heal, if the cancer is in the anus
- breathing or swallowing difficulties if the cancer is in the throat
Mucosal melanoma is rare, accounting for around 1% of all melanoma cases. Compared to cutaneous melanoma, mucosal melanoma tends to be more aggressive and more difficult to treat, partly because doctors tend to diagnose this cancer in its later stages.
What is the deadliest type of melanoma?
Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive form of melanoma.
A
The study found that individuals with nodular melanoma had a 5-year relative survival rate of 53.7%, while those with superficial spreading melanoma had a 5-year relative survival rate of 87.3%.
It is important to note that these are older statistics that do not necessarily reflect the 5-year relative survival rates of people living with skin melanoma today.
What is the most common variant of melanoma?
Skin melanomas are the most common variant of melanoma. Among these, superficial spreading melanoma is the most common, accounting for
Which type of melanoma has a high survival rate?
Of the different types of melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma has a particularly high survival rate.
A
The article refers to an earlier 2014 study in which the 5-year relative survival rate for both diseases combined was 100%, and the 10-year relative survival rate was 97.1%.
However, the authors note that once lentigo maligna melanoma becomes invasive, the 5-year relative survival rate drops to between 9% and 27%. These statistics highlight the importance of early diagnosis and treatment.
Melanoma is a cancer that begins in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which make the pigment called melanin.
Skin melanoma is the most common type of melanoma, but other types include ocular melanoma and mucosal melanoma.