Skip to main content

Melanoma

Mary E Cox, DO Reviewed 06/2022
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Melanoma is a tumor arising from malignant transformation of pigment-containing cells called melanocytes, which are found in the stratum basale of the epidermis.

    • Most arise in the ski...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Change in a pigmented lesion: either hypo- or hyperpigmentation, bleeding, scaling, ulceration, or changes in size or texture

  • Obtain family and personal history of melanoma or nonmelan...

TREATMENT

GENERAL MEASURES

Full surgical excision of melanoma is the standard of care and primary treatment recommended for resectable/nonmetastatic melanomas. See below for recommended surgical margin...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

After diagnosis and treatment, close follow-up and skin protection (i.e., sunblock, UV protective clothing) are highly advised. 

Patient Monitoring

  • Routine screenin...

REFERENCES

1
Siegel RL, Miller KD. Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2020. CA Cancer J Clin. 2020;70(1):7–30. doi:10.3322/caac.21590.
2
Swetter SM, Tsao H, Bichakjian CK, et al. Guidelines ...

ADDITIONAL READING

Melanoma Prediction Tools:  http://www.melanomaprognosis.net/.  

SEE ALSO

Atypical Mole (Dysplastic Nevus) Syndrome 

CODES

ICD10

  • C43.9 Malignant melanoma of skin, unspecified

  • C43.30 Malignant melanoma of unspecified part of face

  • C43.4 Malignant melanoma of scalp and neck

  • C43.39 Malignant melanoma of other parts of face

  • C...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Remember that amelanotic melanomas exist; pigmentation is not required.

  • 70% of melanomas are de novo, not from preexisting nevi. Still, any changing nevi should be biopsied, preferably ...

Subscribe to Access Full Content

Sign Up for a 10-Day Free Trial

Sign up for a 10-day FREE Trial now and receive full access to all content.

 
×