Melanoma
Chapter: 24
A malignant proliferation of melanocytes. Their growth is characteristically irregularly pigmented, asymmetrical and poorly demarcated. This malignancy metastasizes readily and does not respond well to any form of therapy once it has metastasized. - Radial growth phase: the first phase of almost all melanomas, growth is along the dermoepidermal junction and within the epidermis.
- Vertical growth phase: growth down into the epidermis brings the malignant cells in contact with the dermal lymphatics and capillary beds through which metastasis will occur.