melanoma ABCDE, Skin cancer – Flashcards

Most common type Incidence proportional to age total amount of sun exposure Rarely metastasizes, but often recurs

Arises from epidermis Arises from sun-damaged skin, normal skin, or from pre-existing skin lesions Metastases accounts 75% of deaths from SCC

Surgery Goal is to remove tumor entirely Radiation Therapy Especially for cancer of eyelid, tip of nose, areas near vital structures

Use of sunscreen Self-examination of skin Dermatologist skin evaluation

*Deadliest of all skin cancers* *Greatest risk factor: Sun exposure and genetics* Five-year survival in early stage is 90% - 95% versus 5% to 10% for metastatic disease Poor survival associated with metastatic melanoma may be due to its relative resistance to chemotherapy and radiotherapy Estimated new cases and deaths from melanoma in the United States in 2014: New cases: 76,100 Deaths: 9,710

Having a fair complexion, which includes the following: - Fair skin that freckles and burns easily, does not tan, or tans poorly - Blue or green or other light-colored eyes - Red or blond hair Being exposed to natural sunlight or artificial sunlight (such as from tanning beds) over long periods of time Having a history of many blistering sunburns as a child Having several large or many small moles Having a family history of unusual moles (atypical nevus syndrome) Having a family or personal history of melanoma Being white and male

one half is differnt

irregular or poorly circumscribed boarder

when a mole gets elevation

color varies

usually larger than 6mm