Pathophysiology
This skin cancer originates in the melanocytes and is the most dangerous form due to its high metastatic potential.
What is melanoma?
This acronym helps identify suspicious skin lesions that may be melanoma.
What is ABCDE?
Melanoma can spread through the bloodstream and lymphatic system, primarily affecting these organs.
What are the lungs, liver, brain, and bones?
When performing a skin assessment, the nurse should use this technique to detect abnormal lesions.
What is inspection and palpation?
Melanoma is most likely to occur in this skin layer where melanocytes reside.
What is the basal layer of the epidermis?
In the ABCDE mnemonic, “E” stands for this clinical sign.
What is evolution (change over time)?
Metastatic melanoma in the brain can cause these neurological symptoms.
What are headaches, seizures, or personality changes?
This area of the body should always be checked for melanoma in fair-skinned individuals.
What is the back (especially upper back in men)?
This mutation in the BRAF gene leads to uncontrolled cell growth in approximately 50% of melanomas.
What is the BRAF V600E mutation?
This color pattern in a mole could be a warning sign of melanoma.
What is varied or multiple colors (e.g., brown, black, red, white, blue)?
This systemic immune reaction may occur as melanoma advances and spreads.
What is paraneoplastic syndrome?
Dark streaks under the nails can be a sign of this type of melanoma.
What is acral lentiginous melanoma?
This is the name of the process by which melanomas spread to distant organs.
What is metastasis?
A lesion that itches, bleeds, or becomes ulcerated may indicate this stage of melanoma.
What is an advanced or invasive stage?
If melanoma spreads to the liver, lab tests may show elevated levels of this enzyme.
What are liver enzymes (AST, ALT, ALP)?
This tool can assist nurses in magnifying and examining pigmented skin lesions.
What is a dermatoscope?
UV radiation causes direct damage to this component of skin cells, initiating melanoma formation.
What is DNA?
True or False: Melanomas are always raised and never flat.
What is False?
Melanoma metastasis to bones increases the risk of this serious complication.
What is pathological fracture?
A thorough nursing assessment for melanoma includes checking lymph nodes for this sign.
What is lymphadenopathy (swollen or firm nodes)?