2. OBJECTIVES
• Introduction of the malignant melanoma.
• Define the malignant melanoma.
• Explain the causes of malignant melanoma.
• State the clinical manifestations of malignant melanoma.
• Elaborate the diagnostic evaluation of malignant melanoma.
• Discuss the management of malignant melanoma.
• Describe the prevention of malignant melanoma.
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4. INTRODUCTION
Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, develops in the cells
(melanocytes) that produce melanin the pigment that gives your skin color.
Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, inside your body, such as in
your nose or throat.
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5. DEFINITION
• Melanoma is a very serious form of skin cancer.
• Melanoma is cancer of the melanocytes.
• Melanocytes are located in the stratum Basale and produce melanin.
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6. CAUSES
90% of all melanomas are linked to UV radiation. (Sun Exposure)
8% are due to chromosomal abnormalities
About 2% are unknown
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7. CLINICAL MANIFESTATION
A change in an existing mole
The development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on your skin
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8. DIAGNOSTIC EVALUATION
• Physical examination
• Removing a sample of tissue for testing (biopsy)
Excisional Biopsy Punch Biopsy
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9. Computerized tomography (CT) Scan: A CT scan can show if melanoma is in
your internal organs.
Magnetic Resonance imaging (MRI): An MRI scan is used to check for
melanoma tumors in the brain or spinal cord.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Scan: A PET scan can check for
melanoma in lymph nodes and other parts of your body distant from the original
melanoma skin spot.
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10. MANAGEMENT
Surgery to remove affected lymph nodes
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that helps immune
system to fight cancer
Targeted therapy: Targeted drug treatments focus on specific weaknesses
present within cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: This treatment uses high-powered energy beams, such as
X-rays and protons, to kill cancer cells.
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11. Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy
can be given intravenously, in pill form or both so that it travels throughout the
body.
Chemotherapy can also be given in a vein in your arm or leg in a procedure
called isolated limb perfusion. During this procedure, blood in your arm or leg
isn't allowed to travel to other areas of your body for a short time so that the
chemotherapy drugs travel directly to the area around the melanoma and don't
affect other parts of your body.
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12. PREVENTION
Avoid the sun during the middle of the day
Wear sunscreen year-round
Wear protective clothing
Avoid tanning lamps and beds
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