melanomas Flashcards
where do most melanomas arise?
existing naevi (moles)
how do patients present?
change in size, shape or colour of moles
redness, bleeding, crusting, ulceration
what are the types of melanoma?
superficial spreading
nodular
lentigo maligna
acral lentiginous
what are the signs of superficial spreading melanoma?
irregular shaped
coloured, flat
slow growing
what are the signs of nodular melanoma?
rapid growing
how do you tell is a nodular melanoma is metastasis?
if it grows vertically
what are the signs of lentigo maligna melanoma?
small, dark, flat spot which becomes lumpy
slow growing
who does lentigo maligna usually affect and what can cause it?
elderly people
sun damage
how does acral lentiginous melanoma usually affect?
palms, soles, under nails
who does acral lentiginous melanoma usually affect?
dark skinned patients
what is a dermatofibroma?
benign overgrowth of fibrous tissue in dermis (insect bite)
what investigations are used in melanomas?
ABCDE
Asymmetry
Border irregularity
Colour variation
Diameter >6mm
Elevation/evolution
biopsy
>4mm = bad
metastasis/ulceration
