Melanoma

Question 1

What is melanoma?

Answer 1

A serious type of skin cancer in which there is uncontrolled growth of melanocytes

These are cells which produce melanin and are normally found in the basal layer of the epidermis

Question 2

What clinical features can melanoma present with?

Answer 2

Unusual looking freckle/ mole-
ABCDE
Assymetry
Border irregularity
Colour variation
Diameter over 6mm
Evolving

Question 3

What is the epidemiology of melanoma?

Answer 3

1-2% cancer deaths
Incidence is greater in females, mortality is greater in males
Seen predmoninantly in pale skinned people
8th most common malignancy in UK

Question 4

What are the risk factors for melanoma?

Answer 4

Acute intermittent sun exposure on sunny holidays- UVB particularly
Red hair
Freckles
Skins which burns in the sun
Positive family history- hereditary mutations in CDKN2A gene
Atypical mole syndrome- presence of over 100 moles and two or more atypical moles

Question 5

What pre-malignant condition can lead to melanoma?

Answer 5

Lentigo maligna- it’s a type of in situ melanoma that is confined to the dermis

Question 6

What are the referral criteria for melanoma?

Answer 6

7 point checklist- refer on 2ww if score 3 or more

2 points-
Change in size, irregular pigmentation, irregular outline

1 point- size greater than 6mm, inflammation, oozing/bleeding, itch or altered sensation

Question 7

How do we treat melanoma?

Answer 7

Surgery- it should be removed as soon as possible