Oncology Certified Nurse (OCN) Test 2025 – 400 Free Practice Questions to Pass the Exam

The characteristic associated with the assessment of malignant melanoma is the thickness of the tumor. Tumor thickness, often measured in millimeters, is a critical prognostic factor in melanoma and is part of the Breslow depth measurement. This metric helps determine the aggressiveness of the tumor and guides treatment options, including the need for sentinel lymph node biopsy and the approach for staging and management.

Research has consistently shown that thicker melanomas correlate with a poorer prognosis as they may have more potential for metastasis. Assessing the thickness of the tumor during clinical evaluation helps healthcare providers make informed decisions regarding interventions and monitoring strategies.

While family history of cancer and the type of surgical intervention can play roles in the overall context of a patient's treatment and risk assessment, they do not specifically contribute to the primary evaluation of melanoma's malignancy. Similarly, the response to radiotherapy is not typically relevant in the management of melanoma as it is treated primarily through surgical means and systemic therapies rather than radiation.