Melanoma

Question 1

what is a Melanoma

Answer 1

Melanoma is a malignant tumour of the epidermal melanocytes.

Question 2

where are the melanocytes that are responsible for melanoma

Answer 2

basal layer of the epidermis.

Question 3

what type of growth do melanocytes initially undergo

Answer 3

Most types of melanoma grow radially (or horizontally) first of all, and in this phase they are called “in-situ” and have no potential to metastasise

Question 4

what type of growth do melanocytes later undergo

Answer 4

In time, they will grow vertically, and when in vertical growth phase they gain the ability to metastasise

Question 5

true or false If melanomas are diagnosed and treated in radial growth phase, they can be completely cured

Answer 5

true

Question 6

what is the ABCDE approche

Answer 6

asymmetry, 
border irregularity, 
colour variation, 
diameter >6mm
Elevation

Question 7

true or false melanoma is the 3th commonest cancer in the UK

Answer 7

False 5th commonest cancer in the UK

Question 8

what is the best treatment

Answer 8

surgery

Immunotherapy for advanced treatment

• Most common side effect is other autoimmune diseases.