03-14-2008, 02:18 PM
38-year-old woman comes to her physician for a routine check of her health status. On physical examination she has a 1.2 cm irregular, darkly pigmented "mole" on the skin of her upper back. Excisional biopsy of the lesion is performed. Microscopic examination shows a malignant melanoma that is 2 mm in thickness, with margins clear. Which of the following statements is most appropriate regarding this woman's skin lesion?
A She will not have to worry further about this lesion
B The lesion has occurred in a non sun-exposed area
C There is a genetic basis for the occurrence of this lesion
D Human papillomavirus infection was present
E There may be metastases within 5 years
A She will not have to worry further about this lesion
B The lesion has occurred in a non sun-exposed area
C There is a genetic basis for the occurrence of this lesion
D Human papillomavirus infection was present
E There may be metastases within 5 years