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How do malignant masses appear/feel on CBE?

a) Well-circumscribed, mobile, and rubbery
b) Irregular borders, fixed, and firm
c) Smooth borders, tender, and cystic
d) None of the above

1 Answer

6 votes

Final answer:

Malignant masses on a Clinical Breast Examination are not well-circumscribed with irregular borders, fixed, and firm. The ABCDE mnemonic can also help in diagnosing melanomas, with symptoms like Asymmetry, irregular Borders, varied Color, large Diameter, and an Evolving appearance.

Step-by-step explanation:

On a Clinical Breast Examination (CBE), malignant masses typically present with characteristics that are distinctly different from benign masses. The question appears to pertain to the physical attributes of malignant masses as detected through palpation in a CBE. Malignant masses are usually not well-circumscribed, and they tend to have irregular, poorly defined borders. They are often fixed to the surrounding tissues, making them feel immobile, and are characteristically firm or hard on palpation. Hence, the correct answer from the options provided would be: b) Irregular borders, fixed, and firm.

For other types of skin cancer such as melanoma, doctors often provide the ABCDE mnemonic to help with the diagnosis of early-stage disease. Signs to watch out for include Asymmetry, irregular Borders, varied Color, a large Diameter, and an Evolving appearance. More serious forms like nodular melanoma can also present as Elevated on the skin surface, feel Firm, and show signs of Growing.

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