Melanoma tumour progression (based on the Clark model) - Benign melanocytic nevi: controlled proliferation of normal melanocytes to produce a benign nevus. - Atypical/dysplastic nevi: abnormal growth of melanocytes in a pre-existing nevus or new location resulting in a pre-malignant lesion with random cytologic atypia. These appear as flat macules, > 5mm in size, with irregular borders and variable pigmentation. - Radial growth: melanocytes acquire ability to proliferate horizontally in the epidermis and histologically show continuous atypia (melanoma in situ). E-cadherin helps confine the cells intraepidermally but a few cells may invade the papillary dermis. - Vertical growth: numerous biochemical events including the loss of E-cadherin and expression of N-cadherin allow malignant cells to invade basement membrane and proliferate vertically in the dermis as an expanding nodule with metastatic potential. - Metastasis: malignant melanocytes spread to other areas of body, usually first to lymph nodes then to skin, subcutaneous soft tissue, lungs and the brain. #Pathophysiology #Oncology #Melanoma #Clark #Model #Progression
