Malignant Melanoma

Welcome to PT 635 Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems This is a wiki created by and for the students in the School of Physical Therapy at Bellarmine University in Louisville KY. Please do not edit unless you are involved in this project, but please come back in the near future to check out new information!!

Original Editors - Emily Erwin & Brooke Sowards from Bellarmine University's Pathophysiology of Complex Patient Problems project.

Top Contributors - Emily Erwin, Brooke Sowards, Ellen Hosking, Lucinda hampton, Elaine Lonnemann, Kim Jackson, Vidya Acharya, Wendy Walker, Calli Paydo, WikiSysop and 127.0.0.1  

Definition/Description

Malignant Melanoma is a cancer that begins in a specific type of skin cells known as melanocytes.  This type of cancer may also be known as melanoma or cutaneous melanoma.

Melanocytes are located in the most superficial layer of skin, the epidermis. The epidermis protects the underlying dermis and subcutaneous tissue layers of the skin. Melanocytes are found in the basal layer, or the lowest layer, of the epidermis. These cells produce a brown pigment known as melanin, which gives the skin its tan appearance. After sun exposure, additional melanin is produced, resulting in a darkening or "tanning" of the skin. Melanin also plays an integral role in preventing skin damage from the sun's harmful rays. 

Malignant growths may occur following damage to skin cell DNA. If unrepaired, this damage initiates mutations that result in rapid proliferation of skin cells that form malignant tumors.

Prevalence/Risk Factors

Although Malignant Melanoma accounts for less than 2% of total skin cancer cases, it causes a much larger percentage of skin cancer deaths.  The American Cancer Society predicts for melanoma in the United States for 2014:

• Approximately 76,100 new melanomas will be diagnosed (43,890 in men and 32,210 in women)
  
• Aproximately 9,710 people are expected to die of melanoma (6,470 men and 3,240 women)
  

Overall, melanoma is more common in men than women.  However, before the age of 40 the risk is higher for women and after the age of 40 the risk is higher for men. Although it is more likely to occur in the older population, it is one of the most common cancers in young individuals, particularly women under the age 30.  The incidence of  new cases is higher among whites than any other racial/ethnic group.  Whites with light hair color, blue or green eyes, or fair skin that easily burns are at an increased risk.

                                Incidence of melanoma among gender and race

and among individuals of fair complexion and those who have been exposed to natural or artificial sunlight (such as tanning beds) over long periods of time. The number of new cases of melanoma of the skin was 21.1 per 100,000 men and women per year.

Characteristics/Clinical Presentation

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Associated Co-morbidities

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Medications

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Diagnostic Tests/Lab Tests/Lab Values

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Etiology/Causes

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Systemic Involvement

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Medical Management (current best evidence)

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Physical Therapy Management (current best evidence)

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Alternative/Holistic Management (current best evidence)

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Differential Diagnosis

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Case Reports/ Case Studies

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Resources

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Recent Related Research (from Pubmed)

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References

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