Nodular Melanoma is a subtype of melanoma which I occasionally encounter in both my The Woodlands dermatology and Conroe dermatology offices. Nodular Melanoma is very aggressive as it arises without a horizontal (radial phase) so it has no in situ component. Thus, it is invasive from its inception; however, it is still of utmost importance to detect and treat this melanoma as early as possible. In very large congential melanocytic nevi that develop into a melanoma, Nodular Melanoma is the type that occurs as the melanoma cells originate deep in the dermis. Men are much more likely than women to develop a Nodular Melanoma and sun exposed areas are the most common locations for them to occur. Treatment of Nodular Melanoma is wide excision usually with a sentinel lymph node biopsy as well as lifelong surveillance by a board certified dermatologist.
