Melanoma pathophysiology

Revision as of 22:50, 2 January 2019 by Sabawoon Mirwais (talk | contribs)
(diff) ← Older revision | Latest revision (diff) | Newer revision → (diff)
Jump to navigation Jump to search


Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1] Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: Yazan Daaboul, M.D.; Serge Korjian M.D.

Melanoma Microchapters

Home

Patient Information

Overview

Historical Perspective

Classification

Pathophysiology

Causes

Differentiating Melanoma from other Diseases

Epidemiology and Demographics

Risk Factors

Screening

Natural History, Complications and Prognosis

Diagnosis

Diagnostic Study of Choice

History and Symptoms

Physical Examination

Laboratory Findings

Electrocardiogram

X-ray

Echocardiography and Ultrasound

CT scan

MRI

Other Imaging Findings

Other Diagnostic Studies

Treatment

Medical Therapy

Surgery

Primary Prevention

Secondary Prevention

Cost-Effectiveness of Therapy

Future or Investigational Therapies

Case Studies

Case #1

Melanoma pathophysiology On the Web

Most recent articles

Most cited articles

Review articles

CME Programs

Powerpoint slides

Images

American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Melanoma pathophysiology

All Images
X-rays
Echo & Ultrasound
CT Images
MRI

Ongoing Trials at Clinical Trials.gov

US National Guidelines Clearinghouse

NICE Guidance

FDA on Melanoma pathophysiology

CDC on Melanoma pathophysiology

Melanoma pathophysiology in the news

Blogs on Melanoma pathophysiology

Directions to Hospitals Treating Melanoma

Risk calculators and risk factors for Melanoma pathophysiology

Overview

Malignant melanoma arises from the epidermal melanocytes, which are neural crest cells involved in the synthesis of melanin (a brown pigment with photoprotective properties). Development of melanoma is the result of multiple genetic mutations. The progression to melanoma usually involves the serine-threonine kinases of the MAPK/ERK pathway (mitogen-activated protein kinase) following mutation of either the N-RAS or BRAF oncogene. On gross pathology, the majority of melanomas appear as hyperkeratotic, black-brown, asymmetric nodules with irregular borders, but the morphology of the lesion mostly depends on the sub-type of melanoma. On microscopic histopathological analysis, each sub-type of melanoma has unique characteristic features.

Pathophysiology

Malignant melanoma arises from the epidermal melanocytes, which are neural crest cells involved in the synthesis of melanin (a brown pigment with photoprotective properties).

Genetics

Pathology

Melanoma Subtype Features on Gross Pathology Features on Histopathological Microscopic Analysis
Superficial spreading melanoma
  • Brown/black color, but may include reddish brown or white
  • Hyperkeratotic, diffused borders with no distinct demarcation
  • Irregular and elevated
Nodular melanoma
  • Tan/reddish brown color
  • Sharp borders
  • Well-demarcated, dome-shaped papular/verrucous lesion
Acral lentiginous melanoma
  • Brown/black color, but may include reddish brown or white
  • Hyperkeratotic, diffused borders with no distinct demarcation
  • Irregular and elevated
Lentigo maligna melanoma
  • Brown/black color, but may include reddish brown or white
  • Hyperkeratotic, diffused borders with no distinct demarcation
  • Irregular and elevated
Non-cutaneous melanoma
Desmoplastic/Spindle cell melanoma
Nevoid melanoma
Spitzoid melanocytic neoplasm
Angiotropic melanoma
Blue nevus-like melanoma
Composite melanoma

Features of more than one sub-type on gross pathology

  • Features of more than one sub-type on microscopic analysis
  • May be characterized by one of the following:

References

  1. 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Miller AJ, Mihm MC (2006). "Melanoma". N Engl J Med. 355 (1): 51–65. doi:10.1056/NEJMra052166. PMID 16822996.
  2. Schanderdorf D, Kochs C, Livingstone E (2013). Handbook of Cutaneous Melanoma: A Guide to Diagnosis and Treatment. Springer.
  3. Mooi W, Krausz T (2007). Pathology of Melanocytic Disorders 2nd Ed. CRC Press.