Melanoma pathology — Flashcards

Flashcard 1: What area of the body does the acral lentiginous subtype of melanoma typically arise?_____

Answer: Palms or soles

Flashcard 2: Melanoma is often driven by activating mutations in _____ kinase

Answer: BRAF

Flashcard 3: What is the most important prognostic factor in predicting melanoma metastasis? _____

Answer: Depth of invasion (Breslow thickness)

Flashcard 4: What is the prognosis of the lentigo maligna subtype of melanoma? _____

Answer: Good (radial growth, "melanoma in situ")

Flashcard 5: Which form of radiation is associated with the following types of cancer?_____ Basal Cell Carcinoma of the SkinSquamous Cell Carcinoma of the SkinMelanoma of the Skin

Answer: Non-Ionizing Radiation

Flashcard 6: Melanoma progresses to _____ growth into the deep dermis

Answer: vertical

Flashcard 7: What is the underlying defect in albinism?

Answer: Deficiency of tyrosinase enzyme or tyrosine transporters (usually AR)

Extra: Clinical findings: Normal melanocyte count, but decreased melanin production. Very pale or white skin, increased risk for skin cancer (especially SCC). Inheritance is usually Autosomal Recessive.