Findings

Note a typical lesion of melanoma with an asymmetrical contour, a variegated border, and variation in its color.

Clinical Pathologic Correlation
Although most malignant melanoma arises in the skin, they may occur at other sites where there are melanocytes, e.g. eye, oral and anogenital mucosa, etc. The most common primary site for males is the upper trunk (back), and for females the posterior aspect of the calf. About 80% of cases arise from normal skin, whereas only 20 % from pre-existing "moles". As with other malignancies of the skin, exposure to solar radiation seems to be an important pathogenetic factor.

Pathology Pointer

The characteristic appearance of a melanoma may be summarized as follows: A = Asymmetry B = Border variegation C = Color variegation D = Diameter greater than 6 mm

Preparation

Fresh

View

Clinical photograph

Specimen

Skin

Image Credit

Terence O'Grady, M.D.
Department of Medicine
School of Medicine
University of California, San Diego