Superficial spreading melanoma – low magnification
LEGEND
Presence of irregular and non-equidistant atypical melanocytic nests (theques). The precursor lesion of the melanoma may sometimes be seen at the periphery, particularly in cases of melanoma arising in a pre-existing nevus. Regression may occasionally be observed (not present in this case).
Prominent lentiginous proliferation with confluent bands.
- Pagetoid spread (upward migration of melanocytes into the epidermis).
Superficial spreading melanoma
Melan-A positive
This allows better visualization of the melanocytic nests, the lentiginous proliferation which may extend into adnexal structures, and the pagetoid migration.
Superficial spreading melanoma
LEGEND
Presence of pagetoid migration
Presence of irregular and non-equidistant atypical melanocytic nests
Presence of a significant lentiginous proliferation at the periphery
Superficial spreading melanoma
LEGEND
- Clear presence of pagetoid migration
- Presence of lentiginous and nested proliferation with confluence of the nests
Superficial spreading melanoma
LEGEND
Melan-A positive
This allows better visualization of the melanocytic nests, the lentiginous proliferation, and the pagetoid ascent.
This also allows better visualization of the invasive component.
Superficial spreading melanoma
LEGEND
Presence of significant lentiginous and nested proliferation with confluence of the nests. Marked discohesion of nests is noted in this case.
- Presence of invasive component
- Presence of regression beneath the invasive component (presence of fibrosis beneath the melanoma)
Superficial spreading melanoma
LEGEND
Melanocytic cells are atypical, hyperchromatic and pleomorphic
- The presence of dermal mitoses is an indicator of malignancy, unlike mitoses in the epidermis.
Lymphocytic inflammatory infiltrate around the melanocytic cells
