Malignant Melanoma

Question 1

Who is MM more common in?

Answer 1

In whites than in blacks and Asians.

Question 2

What is the cause of MM?

Answer 2

Family history of:
melanoma or skin cancer
prominent moles
pancreatic cancer 
changing moles

Question 3

What are the 2 growth phases of melanoma?

Answer 3

Radial growth phase:
Malignant cells grow in a radial fashion in the epidermis. Vertical growth phase:
Malignant cells invade the dermis and develop the ability to metastasize

Question 4

Describe the prognosis of melanoma

Answer 4

Prognosis depends on:
the depth of invasion,
the presence or absence of ulceration
and the stage it is at