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Melanoma

Educational material concisely summarizing the characteristics, diagnosis, management, and interpretation of evidence for melanoma

melanoma · malignant melanoma · melanoma · melanoma (disease) · melanoma, malignant

MONDO:0005105Public QA completeSource-bound · 4

Disease at a glance

Start with the essentials, then explore the patient and research views.

Public revision · 2b43df2d2a4a

Disease category
Melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from cells that produce melanin, with cutaneous melanoma being the most representative type.
Key mechanism
Key related factors include UV exposure, repeated sunburns, fair skin and family history, and numerous or atypical nevi.
Main causes · related factors
Genetic changes in melanocytes disrupt growth regulation, leading to tumor formation; if it progresses, it can spread to surrounding tissues or other organs.
Representative patterns
Representative early manifestations include changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing nevi, or the appearance of new abnormal pigmented lesions.
Individual differences
Risk and prognosis vary depending on UV exposure, skin and eye color, nevus characteristics, immune status, family history, and the genetic characteristics of the tumor.
Diagnosis
Lesions may exhibit asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, increasing diameter, and changes over time (ABCDE), and may be asymptomatic before progression.
Management
Diagnosis is suspected based on skin lesion evaluation and dermoscopy, while biopsy and necessary imaging and lymph node evaluations are utilized for definitive diagnosis and staging.
Treatment/Research Status
ABCDE is merely a screening criterion to assist observation and is not a definitive diagnostic criterion; since benign lesions can appear similar, pathology results and stage must be interpreted together.
Read Evidence
Management is carried out by coordinating surgery and systemic and local treatments, comprehensively considering the stage, resectability, presence of metastasis, tumor characteristics, and the patient's overall status.
Key Precautions
Surgery holds an important position in the treatment of all stages, and depending on the situation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy/biological therapy, or targeted therapy may be considered.

For patients and families

A structured guide for understanding the disease and preparing for clinical conversations.

At a Glance

Melanoma is a malignant tumor arising from cells that produce melanin, with cutaneous melanoma being the most representative type.

Representative early manifestations include changes in the size, shape, color, or texture of existing nevi, or the appearance of new abnormal pigmented lesions.

How the disease works

Key related factors include UV exposure, repeated sunburns, fair skin and family history, and numerous or atypical nevi.

Genetic changes in melanocytes disrupt growth regulation, leading to tumor formation; if it progresses, it can spread to surrounding tissues or other organs.

Variations in presentation among individuals

Risk and prognosis vary depending on UV exposure, skin and eye color, nevus characteristics, immune status, family history, and the genetic characteristics of the tumor.

The broad framework of diagnosis and management

Lesions may exhibit asymmetry, irregular borders, multiple colors, increasing diameter, and changes over time (ABCDE), and may be asymptomatic before progression.

Diagnosis is suspected based on skin lesion evaluation and dermoscopy, while biopsy and necessary imaging and lymph node evaluations are utilized for definitive diagnosis and staging.

Current status of treatment

ABCDE is merely a screening criterion to assist observation and is not a definitive diagnostic criterion; since benign lesions can appear similar, pathology results and stage must be interpreted together.

Management is carried out by coordinating surgery and systemic and local treatments, comprehensively considering the stage, resectability, presence of metastasis, tumor characteristics, and the patient's overall status.

Surgery holds an important position in the treatment of all stages, and depending on the situation, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy/biological therapy, or targeted therapy may be considered.

How to read clinical trials

Clinical trial registration only indicates that a study exists or is recruiting and does not prove efficacy, safety, approval, or that it is a standard treatment; follow-up evaluates recurrence, metastasis, and post-treatment issues.

Points to verify during clinical consultations

In clinical practice, it is important to check the timing and pattern of lesion changes, UV exposure, nevi, family history, previous examinations and treatments, medications taken, treatment goals, and follow-up plans.

Medical Guidance

This material is for educational purposes and is not intended as guidance for individual diagnosis or treatment.

Evidence and sources

A trial registry status does not establish efficacy or regulatory approval.