Melanoma Flashcards
what does malignant melanoma arise from?
melanocytes (mobile cells so likely to metastasise)
genetics of malignant melanoma
CDKN2A (tumour suppressor)
CDK4 (oncogene, cell cycle with Rb)
four types of malignant melanoma
- superficial spreading
- acral/ mucosal lentiginous
- lentigo maligna
- nodular
where is superficial spreading melanoma often located?
trunk
limbs
where is acral/ mucosal lentiginous melanoma often located?
acral (peripheries)
mucosal surfaces
where is lentigo maligna melanoma often found?
sun-damaged areas such as face, neck and scalp
where is nodular melanoma often located?
varied but often trunk
which is the commonest melanoma?
nodular
describe appearance of nodular melanoma
slow growing nodule that is pearly and has telangiectasia
how do SSM, A/MLM and LMM grow?
grow as macules either in-situ or with dermal microinvasion (RGP)
which is the only melanoma that can metastasise?
nodular
presentation of melanoma
Asymmetry B ill-defined border C two or more colours D wide diameter/non-symmetrical/ non-circular Evolution, speed of change
where does melanoma spread?
dermal lymphatics
regional lymph nodes
blood (heart, lungs, GI, liver and brain)
diagnosis of melanoma
biopsy
prognosis indicators
breslow thickness ulceration high mitotic rate lymph vascular invasion satellites sentinel lymph node involvement
