Malignant Melanoma Flashcards
What is malignant melanoma?
A neoplasm of melaocytes or cells that develop from melanocytes.
What are the four subtypes of melanoma?
Superficial spreading (70%)
Nodular (aggressive)
Lentigo maligna
Acrral lentiginous
What is the appearance of a superficial spreading melanoma?
Growing moles
(Change in size, shape, colour)
(Diameter >6mm, Inflammation, Oozing or bleeding, altered sensation)
What is the appearance of a nodular melanoma?
Red or black lump or lump which bleeds or oozes
What is the appearance of a lentigo maligna melanoma?
Growing mole
(Change in size, shape, colour)
(Diameter >6mm, Inflammation, Oozing or bleeding, altered sensation)
What is the appearance of an acral lentiginous melanoma?
Subungual pigmentation - nails
(Hutchinson’s sign) or on palms or feet
What are the major criteria for melanoma?
Change in size
Change in shape
Change in colour
What are the minor criteria for melanoma?
Diameter > 6mm
Inflammation
Oozing or bleeding
Altered sensation
What is the treatment of melanoma?
Suspicious lesions - excision biopsy (completely)
Once diagnosis is preferred, pathology review will determine if re-excision margins are required.
What scale determines the margins of excision in melanoma?
Breslow thickness
Also determines the prognosis
