Skin Flashcards
what to assess in skin cancer lesion
Asymmetry
Border
Colour
Diameter
The ugly duckling sign
Ix in malignant melanoma
Exam
FNA
staging CT
Wide local excision
define malignant melanoma
a malignant tumour arising from melanocytes
what is the vertical growth phase
the tumour cells are invading into the dermis. The tumour shows invasive growth and has metastatic potential
RFs for malignant melanoma
fair skin (fair or red hair; lots of freckles) sun exposure (UV-A and UV-B): amount of sun exposure, sun burn sunbeds
are melanoma graded?
nope- all high grade
how are melanoma’s staged
TNM
what is the most important prognostic indicator in TNM
Breslow thickness
do melanomas respond well to chemo and radiotherapy?
Nope
what is acral melanoma?
Occurs on the palms, soles and under the nails (subungual)
It is the most common form of melanoma in Asian and Black ethnic groups
It does not appear to be linked to sun exposure
what is the most common type of skin cancer?
basal cell carcinoma
clinical appearance of basal cell carcinoma
typically a nodule with a pearly appearance. There may be central umbilication or ulceration
RFs for squamous cell carcinoma
fair skin and UV radiation exposure
immunosuppression (high incidence of SCC post renal transplant)
chronic skin ulcers (Marjolin ulcers)
what is actinic keratosis?
dysplasia of the skin