Lentigo Maligna Melanoma Overview

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Questions and Answers

What percentage of malignant melanomas does lentigo maligna melanoma make up?

1-5%

15-25%

5-15% (correct)

25-35%

Lentigo maligna melanoma is more common in men than in women.

False

At what age is lentigo maligna melanoma typically diagnosed?

over the age of 60

Lentigo maligna melanoma primarily occurs on skin that has had long-term __________ exposure.

sun Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with lentigo maligna melanoma:

Atypical melanocytes proliferation = Parallel to the basal layer of the epidermis Radial growth phase duration = 5 to 15 years Appearance when malignant = Raised nodules develop Common locations = Face, neck, and dorsal surface of hands Signup and view all the answers

What is the most aggressive type of melanoma?

Nodular melanoma Signup and view all the answers

Nodular melanoma lesions can only be found on areas of skin exposed to the sun.

False Signup and view all the answers

What textures or appearances may a nodular melanoma lesion have?

Black growths, blood blister appearance, crusty or rough texture, may ulcerate and bleed. Signup and view all the answers

Nodular melanoma lesions tend to arise from __________ skin rather than from a preexisting nevus.

unaffected Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics of nodular melanoma:

Aggressiveness = Most aggressive type of melanoma Growth phase = Evolves quickly to vertical growth phase Bleeding = May ulcerate and bleed Appearance = Black growths or bumps Signup and view all the answers

Which population is most frequently diagnosed with acral lentiginous melanoma?

African Americans Signup and view all the answers

Acral lentiginous melanoma typically appears in areas that have been heavily exposed to the sun.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of acral lentiginous melanoma when it first appears?

A flat irregularly shaped dark-colored patch Signup and view all the answers

Acral lentiginous melanoma is known to progress quickly to the __________ growth phase.

vertical Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with their descriptions:

Initial appearance = Flat irregularly shaped dark-colored patch Most frequent type in = African Americans Aggressive nature = Progresses quickly to vertical growth phase Common locations = Under nails, palms, soles of feet Signup and view all the answers

What percentage of melanoma diagnoses does mucosal lentiginous melanoma account for?

3% Signup and view all the answers

Mucosal lentiginous melanoma is typically diagnosed in younger individuals.

False Signup and view all the answers

List one location where mucosal lentiginous melanoma can develop.

any mucosal surface (e.g., eyelids, nose, mouth, etc.) Signup and view all the answers

Mucosal lentiginous melanoma is often identified __________ in the course of the disease compared to other types of skin cancers.

later Signup and view all the answers

Match the following mucosal surfaces with their association to mucosal lentiginous melanoma:

Eyelids = Mucosal surface where tumors may develop Esophagus = Mucosal surface where tumors may develop Anus = Mucosal surface where tumors may develop Vagina = Mucosal surface where tumors may develop Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary characteristic of basal cell cancer?

Impaired maturation of basal cells into keratinocytes Signup and view all the answers

Basal cell cancer is known to frequently metastasize to other parts of the body.

False Signup and view all the answers

Name one predisposing factor for the recurrence of basal cell cancers.

Tumor size greater than 2 cm Signup and view all the answers

Basal cell cancer rarely _____ but can invade surrounding tissues.

metastasizes Signup and view all the answers

Match the following aspects of basal cell cancer with their descriptions:

Most common skin cancer = A: True Rarely metastasizes = B: True High aggressiveness = C: False Tends to recur = D: True Signup and view all the answers

What is the appearance of nodular basal cell carcinoma in its early stages?

A smooth pimple Signup and view all the answers

Nodular basal cell carcinoma can be found primarily on the arms and legs.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the typical rate of growth for nodular basal cell carcinoma?

Doubling in size every 6 to 12 months Signup and view all the answers

As the tumor grows, the skin over it may appear _____ and has well-circumscribed borders.

shiny and pearly white Signup and view all the answers

Match the characteristics of nodular basal cell carcinoma with their descriptions:

Epidermis remains intact = The outer layer of skin does not break down. Pruritic = Can cause itching sensation. Telangiectasis = Visible red, purple, or blue discoloration under the skin. Ulceration = May occur at the center or periphery as the tumor grows. Signup and view all the answers

What is a common appearance of superficial basal cell carcinoma?

A flat papule or plaque, often erythematous Signup and view all the answers

Superficial basal cell carcinoma most often occurs on the face and neck.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is the defining characteristic of the tumor associated with superficial basal cell carcinoma?

It attaches to the undersurface of the epithelium. Signup and view all the answers

The appearance of superficial basal cell carcinoma may include _____ or shallow erosions.

ulceration Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with superficial basal cell carcinoma:

Erythematous = Reddened appearance Well-defined borders = Clearly outlined edges Flat papule = Smooth and even surface Crusts = Scabs covering the lesion Signup and view all the answers

What is a characteristic appearance of pigmented basal cell carcinoma?

Dark brown, blue, or black Signup and view all the answers

Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma is less likely to extend into and destroy adjacent tissues.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of basal cell carcinoma is known for containing both basal cells and squamoid-appearing cells?

Keratotic basal cell carcinoma Signup and view all the answers

The morpheaform basal cell carcinoma typically develops on the _____ and neck.

head Signup and view all the answers

Match the following types of basal cell carcinoma with their characteristics:

Pigmented basal cell carcinoma = Dark brown, blue, or black appearance Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma = Finger-like projections along dermal tissue Keratotic basal cell carcinoma = Contains both basal and squamoid-appearing cells Nodular basal cell carcinoma = Well-defined, shiny border Signup and view all the answers

What is a common appearance of pigmented basal cell carcinoma?

Dark brown, blue, or black appearance Signup and view all the answers

Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma is more likely to metastasize than keratotic basal cell carcinoma.

False Signup and view all the answers

What type of basal cell carcinoma creates finger-like projections that extend along dermal tissue planes?

Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma Signup and view all the answers

Keratotic basal cell carcinoma is often found on the __________ groove.

preauricular and postauricular Signup and view all the answers

Match the following basal cell carcinoma types with their characteristics:

Pigmented basal cell carcinoma = Dark brown to black appearance Morpheaform basal cell carcinoma = Finger-like projections along dermis Keratotic basal cell carcinoma = Contains both basal and squamoid cells Nodular basal cell carcinoma = Well-defined borders and shiny surface Signup and view all the answers

What is the most common area for squamous cell cancer to develop?

Forehead Signup and view all the answers

Squamous cell cancer has a slower growth rate compared to basal cell cancer.

False Signup and view all the answers

What is one potential risk factor that can lead to the development of squamous cell cancer?

UV ray exposure Signup and view all the answers

Squamous cell cancer can develop on skin that has been __________ or has chronic inflammation.

burned Signup and view all the answers

Match the following characteristics with squamous cell cancer:

Aggressive growth = True Higher potential for metastasis = True Primarily caused by viral infections = False Typically found on sun-exposed areas = True Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Lentigo maligna melanoma often develops from a precursor lesion called lentigo maligna.
Lesions are typically large with varying shades of tans or browns.
This type of melanoma accounts for 5–15% of malignant melanomas and is considered the least serious form.
It primarily affects skin that has been exposed to the sun for extended periods, such as the face, neck, and sometimes the back of the hands and lower extremities.
Characterized by an increase in atypical melanocytes aligned parallel to the base of the epidermis.
The radial growth phase, where the irregular-shaped lesion grows over several centimeters, can last for 5 to 15 years.
The lesion becomes malignant when melanocytes invade the dermis, marking the transition to the vertical growth phase.
In the vertical growth phase, raised nodules may appear on the lesion's surface, creating a freckled or mottled appearance.
Lentigo maligna melanoma affects women more frequently than men.
Diagnosis is usually made in individuals over 60 years old.

Nodular Melanoma

Accounts for 10-15% of malignant melanomas.
Most aggressive type of melanoma.
Lesions typically appear as black growths or bumps (polypoids).
Commonly found on the head, neck, and trunk.
May arise from unaffected skin, not pre-existing moles (nevi).
Rapid progression to the vertical growth phase.
Aggressive growth pattern.
Often presents with ulceration and bleeding.
Can resemble a blood blister, have a crusty texture or a rough surface.
Difficult to diagnose before metastasis due to rapid growth.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

Least common form of melanoma
Most frequent type of melanoma diagnosed in African Americans
May initially appear as a flat, irregularly shaped dark-colored patch under the nails, on the palms of the hands, or the soles of the feet
Surface may bulge and feel coarser as the tumor progresses
Does not appear to correlate with sun exposure
May arise from previously unaffected skin or an existing nevus
Aggressive and progresses quickly to the vertical growth phase
Difficult to diagnose before it metastasizes

Mucosal Lentiginous Melanoma

Accounts for roughly 3% of melanoma diagnoses.
Typically diagnosed in older adults.
Can develop on any mucosal surface, including eyelids, nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, urinary tract and vagina.
Often diagnosed later in the disease process due to its location, making it difficult to detect.
Due to late diagnosis, tumors are often aggressive at the time of identification.

Basal Cell Cancer

Basal cell cancer originates from the basal layer of the epidermis or dermal structures.
It is characterized by the failure of basal cells to mature into keratinocytes, leading to abnormal cell division.
This results in a large tumor that invades surrounding tissue, including skin, nerves, blood vessels, and bone.
Basal cell cancer is the most common type of skin cancer, and it is typically slow-growing and rarely metastasizes.
However, it is prone to recurrence, especially in tumors larger than 2 cm in diameter.
Factors such as tumor size and patient resistance to treatments like surgery or chemotherapy increase the risk of metastasis.
Despite low metastasis rates, untreated basal cell cancer can cause significant tissue damage and potentially destroy body parts like the nose or eyelid.

Nodular Basal Cell Carcinoma

Most common type of basal cell carcinoma
Typically found on the face, neck, and head
Characterized by masses of cells resembling epidermal basal cells
Grows in a bulky, nodular form due to lack of keratinization
Starts as a papule resembling a smooth pimple
Often itchy (pruritic)
Steady growth rate, doubling in size every 6-12 months
Epidermis thins but remains intact as the tumor grows
Skin over the tumor appears shiny, pearly white, pink, or a dark patch
Telangiectasis (abnormal dilation of vessels) may be visible
Ulceration can occur in the center or periphery as the tumor grows
Well-defined borders
Prone to bleeding from minor injuries

Superficial Basal Cell Carcinoma

Second most common type of basal cell cancer.
Found most often on the trunk and extremities.
Tumor is a proliferating tissue that attaches to the undersurface of the epithelium.
Tumor appears as a flat papule or plaque, often erythematous, with well-defined borders.
Tumor may ulcerate and be covered with crusts or shallow erosions.

Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma

Less common variety of basal cell carcinoma
Found on head, neck, and face
Contains melanin, appears dark brown, blue, or black
Defined border with shiny appearance

Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma

Rarest type of basal cell carcinoma
Usually develops on head and neck
Tumor resembles scar, flat and ivory or flesh-colored
Difficult to diagnose
Finger-like projections extend along dermal tissue planes
More likely to destroy adjacent tissue like muscle, nerve, and bone

Keratotic Basal Cell Carcinoma

Also known as basosquamous
Found on preauricular and postauricular groove
Contains both basal cells and keratinizing squamoid-appearing cells
Similar appearance to nodular basal cell carcinoma
Prone to local recurrence
Most likely type of basal cell carcinoma to metastasize

Pigmented Basal Cell Carcinoma

Less common type of basal cell carcinoma
Found on head, neck, and face
Dark brown, blue, or black appearance due to melanin pigment concentration
Shiny and well-defined border

Morpheaform Basal Cell Carcinoma

Rarest form of basal cell cancer
Usually develops on head and neck
Forms finger-like projections extending along dermal tissue planes
Resembles a flat ivory or flesh-colored scar
More likely to destroy adjacent tissue, including muscle, nerve, and bone
Difficult to diagnose due to appearance

Keratotic Basal Cell Carcinoma (Basosquamous)

Found on preauricular and postauricular groove
Contains both basal cells and squamoid-appearing cells that keratinize
Appearance similar to nodular basal cell cancer
Tends to recur locally
Most likely type to metastasize

Squamous Cell Cancer

A type of malignant tumor arising from the squamous epithelium of the skin or mucous membranes.
Commonly develops on sun-exposed areas like the forehead, ear helix, nose, lower lip, and hands.
Can also occur on burn-injured skin or chronically inflamed skin.
Characterized by a faster growth rate compared to basal cell cancer.
Possesses a greater risk of metastasis if left untreated.

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Description

This quiz explores Lentigo Maligna Melanoma, a skin condition often emerging from a precursor lesion. Learn about its characteristics, growth phases, and prevalence in affected populations. Test your knowledge on this melanoma type and its comparison to others.