Melanoma physical examination: Difference between revisions
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[[Image:melanoma.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Melanoma<ref>http://picasaweb.google.com/mcmumbi/USMLEIIImages/photo#5089143285975657906</ref>]] | [[Image:melanoma.jpg|thumb|200px|left|Melanoma<ref>http://picasaweb.google.com/mcmumbi/USMLEIIImages/photo#5089143285975657906</ref>]] | ||
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====Ear Nose and Throat==== | ====Ear Nose and Throat==== | ||
[[Image:AuricleMelanoma SqCC.jpg|thumb|left|This patient had two adjacent cancers. The flat black lesion below the antitragus is a malignant melanoma. The white elevated keratotic lesion is a squamous cell carcinoma <ref>http://www.ghorayeb.com</ref>.]] | [[Image:AuricleMelanoma SqCC.jpg|thumb|left|This patient had two adjacent cancers. The flat black lesion below the antitragus is a malignant melanoma. The white elevated keratotic lesion is a squamous cell carcinoma <ref>http://www.ghorayeb.com</ref>.]] | ||
Revision as of 14:40, 21 December 2011
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]
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Melanoma Microchapters |
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Melanoma physical examination On the Web |
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American Roentgen Ray Society Images of Melanoma physical examination |
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Risk calculators and risk factors for Melanoma physical examination |
Overview
Physical exam findings
Moles that are irregular in color or shape are suspicious of a malignant or a premalignant melanoma. Following a visual examination and a dermatoscopic exam (an instrument that illuminates a mole, revealing its underlying pigment and vascular network structure), the doctor may biopsy the suspicious mole. If it is malignant, the mole and an area around it needs excision. This will require a referral to a surgeon or dermatologist.
The diagnosis of melanoma requires experience, as early stages may look identical to harmless moles or not have any color at all. Where any doubt exists, the patient will be referred to a specialist dermatologist. Beyond this expert knowledge a biopsy performed under local anesthesia is often required to assist in making or confirming the diagnosis and in defining the severity of the melanoma.
Images
Skin
Ear Nose and Throat
