Nodular melanoma, primary

**Definition:** Variant of melanoma carrying a poor prognosis due to the fact that there is little or no prodromal radial (superficial) growth phase before deep invasion (vertical growth). The lesion presents as an elevated, reddish, bluish or dark brown coloured, dome-shaped tumour. Ulceration or bleeding from the lesion occurs frequently. It occurs most frequently in the fifth or sixth decade.