Melanoma Flashcards
Mole V melanoma check?
ABCDE Checklist Asymmetry Border (irregular/indistinct) Colour (varied) Diameter (inc or >6mm) Enlargement/elevation/evolution
What is lentigo maligna?
Malignant melanoma in situ (normal and malignant melanocytes confined to the epidermis)
Appearance lentigo maligna?
2-6cm tan/brown/black uniformly flat macule or patch with irregular borders. Lesions grow radially and produce complex colours.
Malignant transformation of lentigo maligna?
10% evolve into lentigo maligna melanoma
What is lentigo maligna melanoma?
15% of all melanomas.
Malignant melanocytes invading into the dermis. A/w pre-existing solar lentigo, not pre existing naevi.
Appearance lentigo maligna melanoma?
Flat brown stain like gradually enlarging. Changes from uniform brown to dark brown with black and blue over time.
What is superficial spreading melanoma?
60-70% melanomas.
Atypical melanocytes initially spreading laterally in epidermis then invade dermis.
Appearance superficial spreading melanoma?
Irregular, indurated, enlarging plaques with r/w/b discolouration, focal papules or nodules. Ulcerate and bleed with growth.
What is a nodular melanoma?
Atypical melanocytes that initially grow vertically with little lateral spread.
“EFG”: elevated, firm, growing
Appearance nodular melanoma?
Uniformly ulcerated, blue-black, sharply delineated plaque or nodule. May be pink or colourless (amelanotic melanoma)
What is an acrolentiginous melanoma?
5% of melanomas.
Ill-defined dark brown, blue-black macule on palmar, plantar or subungal skin.
RFx for melanoma?
No SPF is a SIN
- Sun exposure
- Pigment traits (blue eyes, fair skin)
- Freckling
- Skin reaction to sunlight (increased incidence of sunburn)
- Naevi (dysplastic naevi)
Pathophysiology of melanoma?
Malignant neoplasm of pigment forming cells (melanocytes and naevus cells).
Common sites of melanoma?
- Back (M)
- Calves (F)
Factors indicating worse prognosis in melanoma?
- Male
- On scalp, hands, feet
- Late lesion
- No pre-existing naevus present