It can occur anywhere on the body. The lesions appear as blue-black or dark gray, generally smooth, papules or nodules. Rarely, they are nonpigmented. The spread of pigment onto surrounding skin, and ulceration of the tumor surface signify advanced lesions. A higher magnification can be seen in the next example .
Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive form of malignant melanoma.
It begins in the vertical growth phase so metastasis is frequent by the time the diagnosis is made. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Lentigo maligna melanoma accounts for 10-15 percent of melanomas. It occurs on sun-exposed areas, particularly the head and neck. It appears as large macules or plaques, multicolored with dark brown, black, red, white, and blue hues, and may have irregularly scattered black nodules on its surface. A higher magnification can be seen in the next example .