Dermatology Made Simple : Prognostics factors in Malignant Melanoma

Melanomas Prognostic Criteria : 

Melanomas are skin tumors that can develop either de novo or in an existing mole.



Sunlight exposure is a significant risk factor and fair skinned persons are at an increased risk of developing melanomas.




Depth of the lesion : 

The major significant factor for long term prognosis is depth of the lesion since the superficial dermis lies about 1 mm under the skin surface and penetration to this depth is associated with a much higher incidence of metastasis than is with a more superficial location.



The circumference of the lesion :

The circumference of the lesion is much less important than the depth since one form of melanoma ( superficial spreading ) can still have a good prognosis despite large size ,if it has not extended to the depth of the superficial dermal lymphatic bed.


The darkness or degreee of variation in color :

The darkness or degreee of variation in color do not have prognostic significance once melanoma is diagnosed.


Irregularity or fuzziness at the border of a mole like lesion

Irregularity or fuzziness at the border of a mole like lesion is a good clue to potential malignancy but does not affect prognosis once a melanoma is confirmed.