What is the most likely description of a lesion that shows irregular borders and atypical melanocytes, and is consistent with malignant melanoma?

The lesion described as having irregular borders and atypical melanocytes is highly indicative of malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma is characterized by its ability to show significant variations in color, shape, and size, with often uneven borders that can appear jagged or notched.

Lentigo maligna, while typically presenting as a flat, tan-brown lesion, is considered a precursor to melanoma and can demonstrate some of the same atypical features seen in malignant melanoma, including irregular borders and the presence of atypical melanocytes. A key aspect of lentigo maligna is that it often arises on sun-damaged skin, particularly in older individuals, and has a tendency to have both irregularities in pigmentation and cellular atypia, which progresses to invasive melanoma if not treated.

The other conditions mentioned do not generally align with the characteristics described. Actinic keratosis typically appears as a rough, scaly patch without the atypical melanocytes indicative of malignancy. A compound nevus is a benign type of mole that usually has a clear, defined border and lacks cellular atypia. Acanthosis nigricans is related to skin thickening and hyperpigmentation in certain areas, commonly associated with metabolic disorders, and does not involve atypical melanocytes or