Malignant Melanoma Flashcards
What is malignant melanoma?
Malignant tumour arising from melanocytes, usually in the skin.
What are the risk factors for developing melanoma?
- Fair skin
- Fair/red hair
- Lots of freckles
- Sun exposure - amount of sun and episodes of sun burn
- Use of sunbeds
What is this a presentation of?
Tumour growing on palms/soles/under nails. Asian/black ethnicity. Not linked to sun exposure.
Acral melanoma (refer any pigmented line in a nail)
What is the Breslow thickness and why is it important?
- Thickness of a melanoma in millimetres.
2. Very important prognostic factor, part of TNM staging.
Are melanomas graded?
No, they are all high grade.
What is characteristic of melanoma in symmetry?
Asymmetrical - half of mole does not match the other
What is the characteristic border of melanoma?
Border is ragged/irregular
What is characteristic of melanoma in colour?
Colour varies throughout
What is characteristic of melanoma in diameter?
Diameter is larger than a pencil’s eraser
What is the most aggressive form of melanoma?
Nodular melanoma - invades deeply and metastasises early
What are the borders excised for biopsy in a suspicious mole?
2mm margin of normal skin and cuff of subcutaneous fat to allow Breslow thickness.
What is the curative treatment for melanoma?
Surgery
What is the adjuvant therapy in melanoma for metastatic disease?
Interferon alpha
What is different about stage IV malignant melanoma from the other stages?
No cure, therapy is palliation using chemotherapy and biologics.
What is the pre-malignant melanocyte lesion called?
Melanoma in situ
