Editing Melanoma (section)

== '''Clinical evaluation''' ==

* Most common presentation is an irregular pigmented skin lesion that has grown or changed over time
* ABCDE criteria
** Asymmetry
** Border irregularity
** Colour variegation
** Diameter >6mm
** Evolution
* Other concerning signs:
** New pigmented lesion >40yo
** Pigmented lesion out of character with patient's mole pattern
** Lesion that becomes itchy or bleeds with minor injury
* Regional disease
** Only 10% present with regional disease and 5% with metastatic
** Check for in-transit disease
** Ask about masses, neurologic symptoms, headaches, anorexia, weight loss, bone pain, respiratory symptoms
* Amelanotic melanoma
** Raised pink or flesh-coloured skin lesion
** Need a low threshold for biopsy - very hard to identify
** Three R's: red, raised, recent change
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