Which histological subtype of cutaneous malignant melanoma is the MOST common in fair-skinned populations?

• A Superficial spreading melanoma ✓
• B Nodular melanoma
• C Lentigo maligna melanoma
• D Acral lentiginous melanoma

Explanation

Superficial spreading melanoma accounts for roughly 70 percent of cutaneous melanomas in Caucasians and typically arises in intermittently sun-exposed skin of the trunk in men and legs in women. Nodular melanoma is the second commonest and lacks a radial growth phase. Acral lentiginous melanoma is the commonest subtype in darkly pigmented races, not in fair-skinned populations.

Reference: Robbins and Cotran Pathologic Basis of Disease, 10th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.