The mnemonic of ABCDE has been created to help identify characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers. Select the claims that you think are true.1,2
Melanoma of skin is the fifth most common type of skin cancer in all Nordic countries. How many new cases of melanoma, approximately, were reported in Nordic coutries in 2020?3
BRAF-mutation is the most critical mutation associated with malignant melanoma. Select the claim that you think is true.4-7
Malignant melanoma can be classified into five main types. Connect the five main types and their descriptions.8,9
The most commonly used melanoma staging system is the American Joint Committee on Cancer (AJCC) TNM system. Select the claim that you think is true.10-12
- A The letter A stands for “Atypical growth”
- B The letter B stands for “Border”
- C The letter C stands for “Change in appearance”
- D The letter D stands for “Darker colour”
- E The letter E stands for “Evolving”
A stands for Asymmetry (mole has irregular shape or asymmetrical halves)
B stands for Border (mole has uneven, irregular, notched or scalloped borders)
C stands for Colour (mole has different shades of colour, unusual colour, or uneven distribution of colour)
D stands for Diameter (new growth larger than 6 millimetres)
E stands for Evolving (mole changes over time)
- A Approximately 90
- B Approximately 900
- C Approximately 9,000
- D Approximately 90,000
The estimated number of new cases of melanoma in Nordic countries in 2020 was 8,970. In the Nordic countries, the estimated cumulative risk of incidence is the highest in Denmark.
- A BRAF-mutation is found in 35–50% of all malignant melanomas.
- B In malignant melanoma, the most common mutation in the BRAF gene is V600K.
Approximately 35–50% of all malignant melanomas have a BRAF-mutation. The most common mutation in BRAF gene is V600E (valine substituted by glutamic acid). The V600K mutation (valine substituted by lysine) is more rare.
- The most common type of melanoma. Tends to grow outwards rather than downwards.
- Develops fast and tends to grow downwards into the deeper layers of the skin. Often appears as a red or black colored lump that raises above the skin surface.
- Starts with flat growth on the surface of the skin but might slowly get bigger and change shape or colour. At a later stage, starts to grow down into the deeper layers of the skin and may form lumps.
- Usually found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Can also develop around or under a nail.
- Usually red or skin coloured rather than dark coloured. Often difficult to diagnose because of their lack of colour, and may be mistaken for other conditions of the skin.
Superficial spreading melanoma
The most common type of melanoma. Tends to grow outwards rather than downwards.
Nodular melanoma
Develops fast and tends to grow downwards into the deeper layers of the skin. Often appears as a red or black colored lump that raises above the skin surface.
Lentigo maligna melanoma
Starts with flat growth on the surface of the skin but might slowly get bigger and change shape or colour. At a later stage, starts to grow down into the deeper layers of the skin and may form lumps.
Acral lentiginous melanoma
Usually found on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet. Can also develop around or under a nail.
Amelanotic melanoma
Usually red or skin coloured rather than dark coloured. Often difficult to diagnose because of their lack of colour, and may be mistaken for other conditions of the skin.
- A Stage 0 melanoma is also known as melanoma in situ.
- B In stage I, the thickness of the tumour is always ≤2mm.
- C In stage II, cancer is always ulcerated.
- D Stage III is divided into 4 subgroups (A, B, C, or D) depending on the size and number of lymph nodes involved with the melanoma, whether the primary tumour has satellite or in-transit lesions, and if it appears ulcerated under a microscope.
- E In stage IV, cancer has always spread to nearby lymph nodes.
You can review the simplified version of melanoma TNM staging system with this infographic.
Thank you for testing your knowledge on malignant melanoma!
You can find more information about malignant melanoma on our website. Our melanoma awareness infographics and melanoma patient atlas can be utilised when discussing malignant melanoma with your patient.
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