Melanoma physical examination
Editor-In-Chief: C. Michael Gibson, M.S., M.D. [1]; Associate Editor(s)-in-Chief: : Yazan Daaboul, M.D., Serge Korjian M.D., Jesus Rosario Hernandez, M.D. [2].
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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 suggestive of malignant melanoma include asymmetric lesions, dark color or variable discoloration, irregular border, large or increasing size, and ulceration.
Physical Examination
Skin
- Although melanoma can occur anywhere, melanoma among women occurs more commonly on the extremities, and among men it occurs more commonly on the trunk or head and neck.
- Patients with suspected melanoma should have a full-body examination for other lesions.
- On physical examination, the ABCDs for distinguishing benign nevi from malignant melanoma are:
- A - Asymmetry (suggestive of melanoma)
- B - Border irregularity (suggestive of melanoma)
- C - Color (irregular color or discoloration, very dark color suggestive of melanoma)
- D - Diameter (large size or increase in size suggestive of melanoma)
- Other signs in a nevus that would suggest a malignant change include the following:
- Development of satellites
- Ulceration or bleeding (late signs)
- Any suggestive findings detected on physical exam warrant a complete excisional biopsy. To view the complete approach for a suspected melanoma, click here
