Background
The incidence of melanoma continues to rise in Australia.
General practitioners treat the majority of skin cancers affecting
Australians. In the past decade, there has been improved uptake
of dermoscopy by GPs who realise its value in the assessment of
pigmented and nonpigmented lesions.
Objective
This article outlines those variants or presentations of melanoma
that create diagnostic difficulty for all clinicians. Practice tips
regarding clinical features or useful dermoscopic clues are
included.
Discussion
A clinical overview of lentigo maligna, acral lentiginous and
subungual melanoma, nodular melanoma, desmoplastic
melanoma, verrucous melanoma and hypomelanotic melanoma
is presented. Dermoscopy has become a vital diagnostic
aid in the assessment of all skin lesions. Its value in the
diagnosis of melanoma is highlighted where relevant. Expert
dermatopathology assessment is equally as crucial in reaching a
correct diagnosis, especially for some of these atypical variants.
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