Having
the property of locally invasive and destructive growth and metastasis
Malignant Melanoma
•
Malignant tumour of melanocytes
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Related to short, intensive exposure to UV radiation
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Caucasian males > back, upper extremity
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Females > lower leg
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Black and oriental races > palms, soles, nail beds
•
Genetic and environmental factors
4 main clinical types:
•
Superficial spreading MM - 50% of cases
•
Lentigo MM – 15% of all cases
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Acral lentiginous MM – 10% of all cases
o Hutchinsons sign
• Nodular MM – 25% of all cases
Spread can occur via lymph or blood
Clinical presentation:
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A - Asymmetry
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B - Border irregularity (except nodular form)
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C - Colour variation-blue, black, red
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D - Diameter larger than a pencil eraser
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E - Enlargement of the lesion or change in appearance
Prognosis is related to tumour depth
•
Breslow technique (mm of growth below granular layer)
o <1.5 mm - 93% 5 year survival rate
o 1.5 - 3.5mm 67% 5 year survival rate
o >3.5mm 38% 5 year survival rate
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