Melanoma

1. Melanoma

3. Melanocytes When skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more pigment, causing the skin to tan. • Sometimes, clusters of melanocytes form noncancerous (benign) growths called moles. • Moles can be either flat or raised, round or oval, and are smaller than a pencil eraser. • Generally harmless, but can become cancerous

5. Types of Skin Cancer • Basal Cell Carcinoma • Squamous Cell Carcinoma

6. Melanoma • Although melanoma accounts for only about 5% of all skin cancer cases, it causes most skin cancer-related deaths.

7. Causes of Melanoma • 90% of all melanomas are linked to UV radiation. (Sun exposure) • 8% are due to chromosomal abnormalities • About 2% are unknown www.oncologychannel.com

8. Risk Factors • Family history of melanoma • Dysplastic nevi (noncancerous, but unusual- looking moles) • Previous melanoma • Many nevi (ordinary moles): more than 50 • Severe, blistering sunburns • Freckling tendency • Fair skin, light eyes • Excessive use of tanning beds

9. Signs and Symptoms • Melanoma can appear suddenly as a new mole, or it can develop slowly in or near an existing mole. • In men, melanomas are often found between the shoulders and hips, or the head and neck area. • In women, melanoma often develops on the lower legs as well as between the shoulders and hips. • It may also appear under the fingernails or toenails or on the palms or soles.

10. Signs and Symptoms cont… • An open sore that lasts for more than 4 weeks, or heals and then reopens. • A scaly or crusty bump that is horny, dry, and rough and may produce a pricking or tender sensation.

11. ABCD’s of Melanoma AAsymmetry--one half unlike the other half. BBorder irregular--scalloped or poorly circumscribed border. C Color varied from one area to another; shades of tan and brown; black; sometimes white, red or blue. DDiameter larger than 6mm as a rule (diameter of a pencil eraser).

12. Melanoma Early Melanoma is totally curable. If melanomas of this type are diagnosed early  minor surgery is all that is required.

13. Melanoma Surface Melanoma- Most common form of melanoma. Spreads across the surface of the skin. Only when it invades deeper does it become dangerous

14. Melanoma Nodular Melanoma -The most dangerous form of melanoma, arising as a small lump on pure melanoma tissue in the skin.  The risk of death from this melanoma increases rapidly as the tumor buries deeper in the skin.

15. Stages of Melanoma - Treatment • Stage 0 — Also called melanoma in situ, this tumor is found only on the top layer of the epidermis. Treatment is by surgery. Virtually all of these cases can be cured.

16. Stages of Melanoma - Treatment • Stage IA — The tumor is low-risk, less than .75 mm in thickness, and/or has not penetrated to the dermis. The tumor has not spread to the lymph nodes or distant organs. Treatment is by surgery.

17. Stages of Melanoma - Treatment • Stage IIA — The melanoma is between 1.5 mm and 4 mm and/or has penetrated the deep dermis. Treatment is by surgery.

18. Stages of Melanoma - Treatment Stage IIB — The tumor is thicker than 4 mm and/or invades the subcutaneous fat. Additional tumors called “satellites” may be found within 2 centimeters of the original tumor. Treatment is by surgery.

19. Stages of Melanoma - Treatment • Stage III — Melanoma has spread to the nearest lymph node. Treatment is by surgery. Adjacent lymph nodes often removed.

20. Stages of Melanoma - Treatment • Stage IV — The melanoma has spread to other organs such as the lung, liver, or brain, or to distant areas of skin or lymph nodes. Treatment may include surgery and chemotherapy