It is the second most common kind of melanoma.
Even so, nodular melanoma makes up just 14% of all melanomas.
Learn more about nodular melanoma, causes, symptoms, treatments, and prognosis.
Verywell / Michela Buttignol
Visually, nodular melanomas appear as small lumps on the skin that grow rapidly over weeks or months.
Nodular melanoma also does not meet the ABCDE criteria of warning signs of melanoma.
These cells make melanin, which is the pigment that determines skin color.
When melanocytes grow out of control, they form tumors.
What triggers the melanocytes to mutate is unknown, but is believed to be due to changes to DNA.
There are several risk factors for developing nodular melanoma.
A doctor may use a number of tests to reach adiagnosis of nodular melanoma.
If found early, nodular melanoma can be cured.
However, nodular melanoma can grow quickly and is often diagnosed at an advanced stage.
Treatment will most often involve surgery to remove the melanoma.
During surgery, the nodular melanoma, as well as some surrounding areas of skin will be removed.
If cancer is found to have spread to lymph nodes nearby, these may also be removed in surgery.
If the cancer has spread to other organs in the body, other treatments may be necessary.
This may affect treatment and prognosis.
It may also mean the cancer can spread to other parts of the body before it is found.
The table below shows the 5-year survival rates for melanoma skin cancer at various stages.
Coping
Receiving a diagnosis of skin cancer can be challenging emotionally as well as physically.
The American Cancer Society offers resources and tips for coping with a cancer diagnosis.
Groups may meet online or in-person and are an opportunity to interact with others in a similar position.
A Word From Verywell
Nodular melanoma is the second most common form of melanoma.
It is a fast-growing, aggressive form of skin cancer.
Early diagnosis and treatment will give you the best chance of making a full recovery.
Treatment often includes surgery and, if the cancer has spread, may require further treatments like chemotherapy.
NHS.Overview skin cancer (melanoma).
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Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Nodular melanoma.
Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center.Melanoma risk factors, causes and prevention.
American Cancer Society.Adjusting to life with cancer.
American Cancer Society.Psychosocial support options for people with cancer.
