Differential Diagnosis for Melanoma
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Seborrheic keratosis "Stuck-on" appearance, symmetric, often multiple
Traumatized or irritated nevus Returns to normal appearance within 7 to 14 days
Pigmented basal cell carcinoma Waxy appearance, telangiectasias
Lentigo Prevalent in sun-exposed skin, evenly pigmented, symmetric
Blue nevus Darkly pigmented from dermal melanocytes, no history of change
Angiokeratoma Vascular tumors, difficult to distinguish from melanoma
Traumatic hematoma May mimic melanoma but resolves in 7 to 14 days
Venous lake Blue, compressible, found on ears and lips
Hemangioma Compressible, stable
Dermatofibroma Firm growths of fibrous histiocytes, "button-hole" when pinched
Pigmented actinic keratosis Sandpapery feel; sun-exposed area
|