A case of nodular melanoma in an upper limb

Abstract

Nodular melanoma is the rarest form of melanomas. It does not fulfill the ABCD criteria (asymmetrical skin lesion, irregular border, heterogeneous color, and a diameter greater than 6 mm), making it complicated to be diagnosed and frequently causing clinical errors, delays in treatment and a poor prognosis for these patients. This study presents the case of 39-year-old white female patient with a nevoid lesion having a diameter of 1 cm, of copuliform aspect, of the skin color on the anterior side of the left arm and 4 months of progress. Excisional biopsy was performed. The final diagnosis was nodular melanoma. The clinical and morphological features of the case are described as well as the general characteristics that distinguish this condition.

Keywords

• neoplasms
• nevi and melanomas
• skin
• biopsy
• clinical diagnosis