Question

An elderly man with a long-standing mole over the face which is increasing in size and showing irregular borders. What will be the diagnosis ?

• A. Superficial spreading melanoma
• B. Lentigo maligna
• C. Acral melanoma
• D. Nodular melanoma

Answer 1

The Correct Option is A

Diagnosis of a mole exhibiting changes in size and border irregularity must consider various melanoma types. Key characteristics of melanoma types include:

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma: Most common type; typically presents as a flat or slightly elevated brown lesion with irregular edges and color variations. Due to its description of irregular borders, this is the likely diagnosis.
• Lentigo Maligna: Primarily occurs on sun-exposed skin in the elderly, presenting as a flat, tan, or brown lesion with irregular borders, but it develops slowly over years.
• Acral Melanoma: Mostly found on soles, palms, or under nails, not common on the face.
• Nodular Melanoma: Characterized by raised, round, and often darkly pigmented lesions, with fast growth, but usually lacks significant border irregularity in early stages.

Given the information that the elderly man has a long-standing mole that is increasing in size with irregular borders, the most fitting diagnosis is Superficial Spreading Melanoma, due to its common presentation of border irregularities and color changes.