All of the following statements about malignant melanoma are true except:a) prognosis is better in female than in male b) Acral lentiginous melanoma carries a good prognosisc) Stage II A shows satelite depositsd) Most common type is superficial spreading melanoma

**Core Concept**
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing pigment in the skin. The prognosis and treatment of melanoma depend on various factors, including the type, stage, and location of the tumor.

**Why the Correct Answer is Right**
Malignant melanoma is a serious condition with varying prognoses based on several factors. Superficial spreading melanoma is indeed the most common type, accounting for approximately 70% of all melanoma cases. This type of melanoma tends to grow horizontally along the skin surface before invading deeper layers. Acral lentiginous melanoma, which affects the palms, soles, and underneath the nails, carries a poor prognosis due to its location and delayed diagnosis. Stage II A melanoma does show satellite deposits, which are small groups of cancer cells that have spread from the primary tumor to nearby areas.

**Why Each Wrong Option is Incorrect**
**Option A:** This statement is incorrect because, in general, male patients tend to have a poorer prognosis than female patients due to delayed diagnosis and more aggressive tumor behavior.

**Option B:** This statement is incorrect because Acral lentiginous melanoma carries a poor prognosis, not a good one, due to its location and delayed diagnosis.

**Option C:** This statement is incorrect because Stage II A melanoma does show satellite deposits, which are a characteristic feature of this stage.

**Clinical Pearl / High-Yield Fact**
It's essential to remember that early detection and treatment of melanoma significantly improve patient outcomes. A "ABCDE" rule can help identify suspicious lesions: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving changes over time.

**Correct Answer: D. Most common type is superficial spreading melanoma**