A client has just received the diagnosis of malignant melanoma, stage 3B. He asks the nurse what this means. The nurse should respond relaying which of the following information? Select all that apply

Question

A) Malignant melanoma is a very rapid growing, aggressive cancer.
B) This cancer usually extends wide and deep but rarely metastasize.
C) This cancer is mainly contained to the head and neck area.
D) Your cancer has grown into the deep tissues and quite likely into lymph nodes (stage 3B).

Answer 1

Ans: A, D
Feedback:
Although melanoma represents a small subset of skin cancers, it is the most deadly. It is a rapidly progressing, metastatic form of cancer. Malignant melanomas differ in size and shape. Usually, they are slightly raised and black or brown. Borders are irregular and surfaces are uneven. Most appear to arise from preexisting nevi or new mole-like growths. There may be surrounding erythema, inflammation, and tenderness. Because most melanomas initially metastasize to regional lymph nodes, additional information may be obtained through lymph node biopsy. Consistent with other cancerous tumors, melanoma is commonly staged using the TNM (tumor, lymph node, and metastasis) staging system. Basal cell cancer usually extends wide and deep but rarely metastasizes and are most frequently seen on the head and neck, most often occurring on skin that has hair.