Melanoma Flashcards
def
malignant tumour from melanocytes
epi
common
high sun exposure
young adults
where are melanomas commonly found
in sun-exposed areas in fair-skinned people
what does melanoma arise from
malignant tumour from melanocytes
what are melanocytes
pigment producing cells
where are melanocytes found
skin, eye, CNS
aetiology
genetic and environmental factors
1 genetic
-fair skin
-specific melanoma related genes such as CDKN2A
2 environment
-excessive exposure to sunlight and artifical UV (tanning beds)
what is the most common form of melanoma
superficial spreading melanoma
what are the three most common forms of melanoma
1 superficial spreading melanoma
2 nodular melanoma
3 lentigo maligna melanoma
who is superficial spreading melanoma usually seen in
middle age
who is nodular melanoma and lentigo maligna melanoma usually seen in
older people
what distinguishes nodular melanoma and lentigo maligna melanoma
nodular melanoma is nodular and rapid growth
lentigo maligna melanoma is slow growth
risk factor
PMH or FH of melanoma, skin cancer, or irregular naevi
fair skin
sun exposure and sun bed use
history
skin lesion with: Asymmetry of lesion Border irregularity Colour variability Diameter >6mm Evolution
a pigmented lesion with asymmetric appearance, irregular borders
many moles which are >6mm in diameter, irregular pigmentation bordes
what is hutchinsons sign
darkened vertical bands in the nail bed
