Malignant Melonoma Flashcards
What is malignant melanoma
Invasive malignant tumor of the epidermal melanocytes which can potentially metastasise
Risk factors for malignant melanoma
MMRISK is a useful mnemonic: M – moles – atypical >5 M – moles- common > 50 R – red hair I – inability to tan S – sunburn K – kindred.
High UV exposure Type 1 skin History of moles or atypical moles - melanocytic naevi Family history of melanoma BRAF
Types of melanoma
Superficial melanoma
Nodular melanoma
Acral lentiguous melanoma
Lentigo malignant melonoma
Features of superficial spreading melonoma
features of a nodular melanoma
Middle aged
High intensity UV exposure
Lower limbs
rapidly enlarging lump, often red or black in colour. The lump may be ulcerated, bleeding, itch or sting and may have a smooth, crusty, rough or warty surface.
features of malignant melanoma
which places have the worst prognosis
Asymmetrical border Border irregularity Colour irregularity Diameter above >6 mm Evolution of leiosn change in shape or size Symptoms bleeding or itching ulceration persistent itching regional lymphadenopathy
head and neck
back of the arms
how common is nodular melanoma and who does it affect
second common
middle age people
where does the acral lentiginous typically affect
Nails, palms or soles, African Americans or Asians
appearnace of acral lentiginous
Subungual pigmentation (Hutchinson’s sign) or on palms or feet
where does superficial spreading melanoma affect
which age group is it most common in
Arms, legs, back and chest
young people
women more lower legs
treatment of malignant melanoma
Suspicious lesions should undergo excision biopsy. The lesion should be removed in completely as incision biopsy can make subsequent histopathological assessment difficult.
Once the diagnosis is confirmed the pathology report should be reviewed to determine whether further re-excision of margins is required
reduce recurrence immunotherapy can be applied
what are Margins of excision-Related to Breslow thickness
Lesions 0-1mm thick - 1cm
Lesions 1-2mm thick - 1- 2cm (Depending upon site and pathological features)
Lesions 2-4mm thick - 2-3 cm (Depending upon site and pathological features)
Lesions >4 mm thick - 3cm
what is solar lentigo
harmless patch of darkened skin. It results from exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation
features of solar lentigo
solar lentigo is a flat, well-circumscribed patch. It can be round, oval or irregular in shape
what is dermatofibroma
common benign fibrous nodule usually found on the skin of the lower legs.
what is seborrhoeic keratosis
harmless warty spot - common sign of skin ageing
