Maize et al.

 
"A wide range of clinical appearances can be seen in melanoma. In situ lesions begin as macules with pigmentation that varies from pink to dark brown. If the cells of a melanoma enter the dermis early in the evolution of a lesion, a papule or nodule can form with or without a perceptible flat component. Variation in pigmentation is a hallmark of melanoma. Shades of brown and black are often seen; thick lesions have foci of red, white, or blue on occasion. Large nodules can be ulcerated."
 
Maize JC, et al. Cutaneous Pathology. Philadelphia: Churchill Livingstone, 1998:687.
 

Brief critique

 
Maize rightly correlates the histopathologic findings of melanoma in situ with a macule of melanoma that may vary in color from pink to dark brown. Also correctly, he contrasts macules with large nodules that may be ulcerated. Macules of melanoma are curable by simple excision, whereas large ulcerated nodules often are not because metastases have disseminated from them.