Malignant tumour of melanocytes in the skin, eyes, CNS

Non-cancerous growth of melanocytes - moles, freckles

Melanoma is a malignant tumour arising from melanocytes. It is among the most common forms of cancer in young adults and typically presents as a new or changing pigmented (brown or black) skin lesion.

The incidence of melanoma peaks in adults more than 70 years of age.

Risk factors:

• Family Hx or personal Hx of melanoma
• personal Hx of skin cancer
• Hx of atypical naevi
• Fair skin
• sun/UV light exposure

Types of melanoma:

*Nodular melanoma is the most aggressive whilst other forms spread more slowly

PC

• Altered pigmented lesion (ABCDE)
  • Asymmetry of the lesion, Border irregularity, Colour variability, Diameter >6 mm, Evolution
• Melanocytic lesion that does not resemble surrounding melanocytic naevi (Ugly duckling)
• Most common site for men - torso, women - legs
• Systemic Sx (weight loss, fatigue, night sweats, headache) - Sx of a late presentation