Four basic types of melanoma skin cancer appear on the top layer of the skin or penetrate below the skin's surface. These are easy to diagnose. The surface forms of melanomas may only attack the skin, while others are aggressive from the time of their diagnosis. However, rare forms of melanoma skin cancer manifest themselves in atypical body parts such as the eyes and organs.
Superficial Spreading Melanoma
The Skin Cancer Foundation states that superficial spreading is the most common type of melanoma skin cancer. Doctors often see this skin cancer in young people. It spreads on the top layer of the skin and appears on all areas of the body (see Resources).
Lentigo Maligna
Lentigo maligna, like superficial spreading, appears close to the top layer of the skin, but elderly people tend to get this type of melanoma skin cancer on the face, ears, arms and trunk areas.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
The Skin Cancer Foundation states that acral lentiginouson is a type of melanoma that spreads along the skin surface before it penetrates the epidermis. This form of cancer is common in African Americans and Asians, but less common in Caucasians (see Resources).
Nodular Melanoma
Nodular melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer because it is aggressive and spreads to the trunk, legs, scalp and arms of elderly people, primarily men.
Rare Types of Melanoma
Cancer Research says that a group of rare types of melanoma skin cancers penetrate the skin and attack the internal organs and even the inside of the eyes.
Tags: skin cancer, layer skin, type melanoma, Cancer Foundation, Cancer Foundation states
