There are four main types of melanoma:
- Superficial spreading melanoma: This is the most common type, accounting for about 70% of melanoma cases. It can occur anywhere on the body, but is found more frequently in the upper back, legs in women and torso in men.
- Lentigo maligna: This is the most common form in the elderly and it is most likely to appear in sun-exposed areas, especially head and neck
- Acral lentiginous melanoma: This is the most common form of melanoma found in people with darker skin, mainly individuals with African ancestry. It is most frequently found on the sole of the feet, palm of the hands or beneath the nail.
- Nodular melanoma: The most aggressive form, corresponds to 10-15% of melanoma cases.
Other types like amelanotic and desmoplastic melanomas are rare.