Melanoma Chapter Summary and Credits

Metastatic Cancer – Melanoma

Jennifer Kong

Key Takeaways

Melanoma is a type of cancer which involves uncontrolled growth of melanocytes.
Cancerous changes occur when there is DNA damage in melanocytes that results in a dysfunction of anti-tumour and/or pro-growth genes.
Melanocytes grow rapidly in a disorganized fashion, and have different levels of differentiation and cell sizes. Melanocytes can make a lot of melanin, thus providing visual clues to tumour development.
When cancerous melanocytes invade the basement membrane and circulate in either the blood or lymph, this is metastatic melanoma. The brain, liver, and lungs are common – but not the only – sites of metastases.
The most effective treatment to melanoma is for recognition of melanoma at an early stage recognition. The mnemonic ABCDE will help you identify suspicious moles that can develop into melanoma.
PREVENTION is the most effective treatment to melanoma. So recall your sun safety tips!
Health care professional team work together to help diagnose and treat metastatic melanoma.

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