Skin Cancer - Melanoma

Question 1

In which areas of the body are malignant melanomas most common?

Answer 1

Areas of intense intermittent sun exposure:
Men - often on back
Women - often on legs

Question 2

What are the major criteria for a malignant melanoma?

Answer 2

Change in shape
Change in size
Change in colour

Question 3

What are the minor criteria for a malignant melanoma?

Answer 3

Diameter >6mm
Bleeding
Sensory change
Inflammation

Question 4

What are the important features on examination of a malignant melanoma?

Answer 4

Asymmetry
Border - irregular
Colour - multiple
Diameter >6mm
Elevated

Question 5

What are the 4 recognised types of malignant melanomas are there?

Answer 5

1. Superficial spreading MM - commonest
2. Lentigo MM - occur on sun damaged facial skin
3. Acral/mucosal lentiginous MM - palms/soles/nailbed and mucosae
4. Nodular MM

Question 6

Which types of melanomas first grow as macule - radial growth?

Answer 6

1. Superficial spreading MM - commonest
2. Lentigo MM - occur on sun damaged facial skin
3. Acral/mucosal lentiginous MM - palms/soles/nailbed and mucosae

Question 7

Which melanoma has vertical growth from the outset?

Answer 7

Nodular melanoma

Question 8

Can radial growth phase (RGP) melanomas or vertical growth phase (VGP) metastasise?

Answer 8

VGP - Vertical Growth Phase

Question 9

What is the treatment for malignant melanoma?

Answer 9

Surgical excision +/- sentinel node biopsy

Question 10

What is breslow thickness?

Answer 10

Measures deepest tumour cell from granular layer of epidermis