Deck 33: Epidemiology of Malignant Melanoma

Question 1

During 2000-2018, the annual number of cases more than doubled (from 133,000 to nearly 288,000 cases) and the annual deaths from melanoma increased by 65% (from 37,000 to 61,000 deaths).

Answer 1

True

Question 2

Malignant melanoma is most common in Caucasian populations living in sunny climates.

Answer 2

True

Question 3

Survival from malignant melanoma is nearly 100% if diagnosed prior to invasion of the dermis and metastatic spread.

Answer 3

True

Question 4

Survival from malignant melanoma in developing countries is relatively poor due to late diagnosis and limited access to therapy.

Question 5

Melanomas may develop on the soles of the feet and thus go undetected until invasion and metastasis has occurred.

Question 6

Depletion of the ozone layer around the South Pole is related to the high rates of malignant melanoma in populations living in the southern hemisphere.

Question 7

Exposure to ultraviolet light in tanning salons is not a risk factor for melanoma development because UVB rays are filtered out.

Question 8

The highest rates of malignant melanoma are found in populations living near the equator.

Question 9

Malignant melanoma arises from what cells?

A) Melanocytes
B) Fibrocytes
C) Epithelial cells
D) Macrophages

Question 10

High rates of malignant melanoma are observed in populations of all of the following nations except:

A) Australia.
B) New Zealand.
C) most nations of South Africa.
D) most nations of equatorial Africa.

Question 11

The risk of malignant melanoma increases with excess exposure to:

A) ultraviolet A rays.
B) ultraviolet B rays.
C) ultraviolet C rays.
D) a and b are both correct.
E) a, b and c are all correct.

Question 12

What is the approximate lifetime risk of melanoma development among individuals with the FAMM syndrome?

A) 25%
B) 50%
C) 75%
D) 100%

Question 13

What is the approximate increase in melanoma risk among women who begin sustained use of tanning salons at a young age?

A) 50%
B) 75%
C) 100%
D) 200%

Question 14

What type of limited surgery has proven effective in the treatment of malignant melanoma?

A) Radical resection
B) Radical resection with exploration of proximal lymphatics
C) Amputation
D) Mohs surgery

Question 15

Briefly characterize the global epidemiology of malignant melanoma.

Question 16

Describe phenotypic characteristics that predispose to melanoma development.

Question 17

Discuss findings of studies of individuals who use tanning salons and their risk of developing malignant melanoma.

Question 18

Discuss the molecular pathogenesis of malignant melanoma.

Question 19

Discuss the importance of the "ozone layer" to the epidemiology of malignant melanoma.

Question 20

Describe recent trends in rates of malignant melanoma and discuss potential reasons for these trends.

Question 21

Discuss the genetics of malignant melanoma.

Question 22

Describe strategies for the prevention and control of malignant melanoma.