Malignant Melanoma Flashcards
What is it?
Cancers that arise in melanocytes of a white persons skin
Where do they occur?
Can occur anywhere on the body
Is it common?
Accounts for 5% of all skin cancers
Who does it affect?
Generally 30-50 year olds and people with fair skin
What are the predisposing factors? (4)
Precursor lesions (clark melanocytic naevi), family history, light skin colour and inability to tan, excessive sun exposure (esp during preadolescence)
What does examination show? (5)
change from papule to nodule, change in colour, >8mm, asymmetrical, generally isolated lesions
What symptoms might a patient complain of? (4)
Changed mole, itching, crusting, bleeding
What is the risk? (2)
If left untreated, it can become deeply invasive and metastasise, causes 3 times more deaths than any other skin cancer
What is the treatment?
Total surgical excision
