Malignant Melanoma Flashcards
What are the main risk factors for malignant melanoma?
- UV exposure
- sunburn
- fair complexion
- many (>50) melanocytic or dysplastic naevi
- family history
- previous melanoma
- old age
What are the main features of a suspicious lesion?
ABCDEF
What does ABCDEF stand for?
- Asymmetry (outline)
- Border- irregularity or blurring
- Colour variation with shades of black, brown, blue or pink
- Diameter >6mm
- Evolution — changing moles
- Funny looking mole
What type of boarder of a lesion would make up suspicious?
Irregular boarder or blurring of the boarder
What colour variation would make you suspicious?
Shades of black, brown, blue or pink
A diameter of more than what size would make you suspicious?
More than 6mm
What are are the majr diagnostic criteria for malignant melanoma?
Change in size
Change in shape
Change in colour
What are the minor criteria for the diagnosis of malignant melanoma?
Diameter >= 7mm
Inflammation
Oozing or bleeding
Altered sensation
What is the commonest type of malignant melanoma?
Superficial spreading
What is the most aggressive type of malignant melanoma?
Nodular melanoma
What is the initial management of a suspicious lesion?
2 weeks wait referal to dermatology
If the lesion looks suspicious what is the next step?
Excisional biopsy
What can be used for the margins of excision?
Breslow thickness
What are the margins of excision for lesions 0-1mm thick?
1cm
What are the margins of excision for lesions 1-2 mm thick?
1- 2cm
