Melanoma Flashcards
What is melanoma?
Neoplastic disorder produced by malignant transformation of the melanocyte.
Melanocytes are derived from neural crest cells.
Which patients are at greatest risk for melanoma?
White patients with blonde or red hair, fair skin, freckling, and history of blistering sunburns, blue or green eyes, actinic keratosis, M > F
What are the most common sites for melanoma?
- Skin
- Eyes
- Anus
What is the most common site of melanoma in African Americans?
Palms of the hands, soles of the feet (acral lentigenous melanoma)
What characteristics are suggestive of melanoma?
Usually a pigmented lesion with an irregular border, irregular surface, or irregular coloration.
Also: darkening of a pigmented lesion, development of pigmented satellite lesions, irregular margins or surface elevations, notching, recent or rapid enlargement, erosion or ulceration of surface, pruritus
What are the ABCDs of melanoma?
Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter (> 6 mm) and Dark
What are the associated risk factor for melanoma?
Severe sunburn before age 18, giant congenital nevi, family history, white, UV radiation, multiple dysplastic nevi
How does location of melanoma differ in men and women?
Men get more lesions on the trunk, women on the extremities
Which locations of melanoma are unusual?
Noncutaneous regions, such as mucous membranes of the vulva or vagina, anorectum, esophagus, and choroidal layer of the eye
What is the most common site of melanoma in men?
Back
What is the most common site of melanoma in women?
Legs
What are the 4 histologic types of melanoma?
- Superficial spreading
- Lentigo maligna
- Acral lentiginous
- Nodular
What is superficial spreading melanoma?
Occurs in both sun-exposed and non-exposed areas.
Most common melanoma (75%)
What is lentigo maligna melanoma?
Malignant cells that are superficial, found usually in elderly patients on the head or neck.
Called Hutchinson’s freckled if noninvasive.
Least aggressive type, very good prognosis.
What is acral lentiginous melanoma?
Occurs on the palms, soles, subungual areas, and mucous membranes
What is nodular melanoma?
Vertical growth predominates, lesions are usually dark.
Most aggressive type, worst prognosis.
What is amelanotic melanoma?
Melanoma from melanocytes but with obvious lack of pigment
What is the most common type of melanoma?
Superficial spreading
What type of melanoma arises in Hutchinson’s freckle?
Lentigo maligna melanoma
What is Hutchinson’s freckle?
Lentigo maligna melanoma in the radial growth phase without vertical extension.
Usually occurs on the faces of elderly women.