Benign and malignant melanocytic naevi Flashcards
What are the 3 layers of the skin?
epidermis
dermis
fat
Where do melanocytes normally reside?
the base layer of the epidermis
What are moles/naevi?
nests of melanocytes
What are the types of benign melanocytic naevi?
FRECKLES
MOLES:
Acquired:
1) Junctional naevus
2) Compound naevus
3) Intradermal naevus
4) Atypical naevus
Congential
What are the types of atypical naevus?
Blue naevus
Halo naevus
What is the difference between moles and freckles?
Freckles - melanocytes line the basal layer of epidermis
Moles - melanocytes have formed nests
When do acquired moles generally appear?
late childhood to early adolescence
How do junctional, compound and intradermal naevus’ link?
The are essentially the ageing process of a mole
In what layer are junctional naevi?
Most internal portion of epidermis
What shape + colour are junctional naevi?
Flat and dark
What is more common acquired or congential moles?
acquired
What is the management of atypical naevi?
Excised as clinically difficult to say its 100% benign
What is the risk with atypical naevi?
The pt is at greater risk of developing melanoma
What are the risk factors for developing malignant melanoma?
Increased UV exposure (most common)
Family history (can be familial)
Previous melanoma
Multiple dysplastic naevi
Large congenital naevi
Is genetic testing available for familial milignant melanoma?
Yes
What are the referral criteria for melanoma? (scoring only NOT the actual features)
7 point checklist (refer if score ≥3)
split into minor (1 point each) and major features (2 points each)