Superficial spreading melanoma, primary

**Definition:** The commonest form of melanoma, superficial spreading malignant melanoma accounts for about 70 per cent of all melanomas. It characteristically presents as an asymptomatic pigmented cutaneous macule which is asymmetrical in shape and displays variability in both hue and pigment intensity. It has a relatively long phase of progressive superficial extension (radial growth) before penetrating deeper into the dermis and entering an invasive vertical growth phase.