Concept Map - Melanoma PDF

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Download Concept Map - Melanoma PDF

Description

Melanoma Pathophysiology: a tumor arising from melanocytes (the cells that make melanin) and have 2 growth phases, radial and vertical. In the radial growth phase, malignant cells grow in a radial fashion in the epidermis. With time, most melanomas progress to the vertical growth phase, in which the malignant cells invade the dermis and develop the ability to metastasize.

Emphasis on interventions is focused towards prevention; examples include: Encouraging and teaching clients to perform self-skin assessments periodically

Clinical Manifestations: • Irregular color, surface, and border • Variegated color, including red, white, blue, black, gray, brown • Flat or elevated. Eroded or ulcerated • Often 1.5 mm in depth • Immunotherapy that involve cytokines; drugs that block PD-1 and CTLA-4 receptors, as they boost immune response against melanoma cells • Targeted Therapy (uses specific drugs that target BRAF mutations) • Chemotherapy (used in advanced stages of melanoma) • Correlation between survival rate and depth of invasion • Poor prognosis unless diagnosed and treated early

ABCDE (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color, Diameter greater than 6mm, and Evolving) Dermoscopic examination

Patient teaching:

Excisional biopsy

Utilize sunscreen if planning to spend time outdoors; ensure that sunscreen used protects from UVA and UVB rays

Breslow measurement (measures depth of tumor)

Seek shade when appropriate; the sun’s rays are strongest between 10am and 2pm Be extra aware when near water, snow, or sand; rays can be reflected from these surfaces Wear appropriate clothing...