Malignant Melanoma Differential Diagnoses

Updated: Mar 31, 2023
  • Author: Winston W Tan, MD, FACP; Chief Editor: Dirk M Elston, MD  more...
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DDx

Diagnostic Considerations

Differentials to consider in the diagnosis of malignant melanoma include the following conditions:

  • Benign melanocytic lesions
  • Dysplastic nevus
  • Squamous cell carcinoma
  • Metastatic tumors to the skin
  • Blue nevus
  • Epithelioid (Spitz) tumor
  • Pigmented spindle cell tumor
  • Halo nevus
  • Atypical fibroxanthoma
  • Pigmented actinic keratosis
  • Sebaceous carcinoma
  • Histiocytoid hemangioma

Also see Lentigo Maligna Melanoma, Oral Malignant Melanoma, and Head and Neck Mucosal Melanomas.

Differential Diagnoses