nodular melanoma


nod·u·lar mel·a·no·ma

primary cutaneous melanoma that presents as rapidly growing smoothly spheroid or ulcerated nodules in which tumor cells microscopically invade the dermis beneath all the lateral epidermal margins of involvement.

nodular melanoma

The most aggressive of all melanomas, which arises de novo in the so-called vertical growth phase—i.e., it is invasive ab initio. Nodular melanomas comprise 15% of all melanomas.
Prognosis
50% average 5-year survival.

nodular melanoma

A melanoma that comprises 15% of melanomas; NM is similar clinically to superficial spreading melanoma; 50% average 5-yr survival. See Melanoma.