A prominent eosinophilic nucleolus is one of the distinguishing features of a malignant melanoma. Infiltration of melanocytes into the dermis, replacement of stretches of the basal layer of the epidermis by proliferating melanocytes, presence of necrosis and calcification are all hallmarks of a malignant melanoma. Evidence of darkening of an existing, flush lesion should alert the patient to the possibility of malignant transformation. Presence of uneven nodularity, radial enlargement, changes in pigmentation or the appearance of a mass are all clinical signs of malignancy. While considered to be of universally grim prognosis in the past, advances in our understanding of the biology has led to a considerable improvement in the overall prognosis of this condition.
Prognosis is dependent on depth of invasion.
Robbins Pathologic Basis of Disease. 1867 Search Medline at National Library of Medicine Please be patient during transfer. Medline will open in a new window.