Advanced Health Assessment Practice Exam

What feature distinguishes melanoma from other types of skin cancer?

1. Irregular or notched borders

2. Presence of silvery scales

3. Frequent occurrence in hair follicles

4. Only appears in older adults

The correct answer is: Irregular or notched borders

The distinguishing feature of melanoma, a serious form of skin cancer, is indeed the presence of irregular or notched borders on the lesions. Melanomas typically have asymmetrical shapes and can exhibit uneven edges, which contrast with more benign skin lesions or other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, that often have smooth, well-defined borders. This characteristic is a critical component of the ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolving) used to assess moles and skin lesions for melanoma. The other features mentioned do not accurately pertain to melanoma. Silvery scales are more commonly associated with psoriasis rather than melanoma. Melanomas do not frequently occur in hair follicles; they arise from melanocytes, which are pigment-producing cells in the skin. Furthermore, while melanoma can affect individuals of any age, it is particularly prevalent in younger adults, debunking the idea that it only appears in older adults. Thus, the irregularity of the borders serves as a key indicator for identifying melanoma compared to other skin cancers.