Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. Unlike non-melanoma skin cancers (basal and squamous cell carcinomas), melanoma can grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body. However, when detected early and treated, the cure rate can be very high.
Melanoma most often develops as a new growth, not in an existing mole. However, it is hard to memorize all existing moles, so regular skin checks looking for the following is important. The earlier the detection of the melanoma, the easier it is to treat.
It is important to know that melanoma can also develop in the eyes, mouth, and genitals. Regular examination of these sites by a health care professional is recommended to screen for melanoma in these areas.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. Ultraviolet light (UV) from the sun and indoor tanning beds can cause skin cancer. Not all melanomas are caused entirely by UV rays. Heredity also plays a role. Research shows that if a first-degree relative (parent, brother, sister, or child ) had melanoma, a person has a greater risk of getting melanoma.
In addition to a family history and UV exposure, some people have a higher risk of developing melanoma including those with:
Men over 50 are at a higher risk of developing melanoma compared to the rest of the general public. Melanoma can also affect younger people. In fact, melanoma is the second most common form of cancer in females age 15-29 years old.
A dermatologist will look carefully at all skin and examine growths, moles, and dry patches. To get a better look, a dermatologist may use a device called a dermatoscope or magnifying lens that helps to see pigment and structures in the lesion.
Concerning lesions will be biopsied. This involves biopsying the lesion or a sample of it for microscopic evaluation by a pathologist. A biopsy is quick, safe, and easy for a dermatologist to perform, usually in the same visit as your skin exam. A biopsy should not cause anxiety. The discomfort and risks are minimal.
Your treatment depends on how deeply the melanoma has grown into your skin, whether the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, and your overall health. Treatment often starts with surgery. In its earliest stage, melanoma grows in the epidermis (outer layer of skin). Your dermatologist may refer to this as melanoma in situ or stage 0. In this stage, the cure rate is nearly 100%.
Your dermatologist will want to treat all of the cancer. Your dermatologist can perform surgery in their office. You may remain awake during the surgical procedure. There are two common procedures for surgically treating melanoma:
When melanoma is caught early, excision or Mohs surgery may be the only treatment you need.
When melanoma grows deeper into the skin or spreads, treatment becomes more complex. It may begin with a surgery, followed by additional treatment or more surgery. Treatment may also involve radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat cancer cells. Some patients receive immunotherapy to boost their body’s immune system, which increases the body’s abilities to fight the cancer. If the melanoma is advanced, the patient often receives a combination of these treatments by a team of physicians that may include a dermatologist, and surgical and medical oncologists.
It is important to note that numerous promising clinical trials are ongoing for the treatment of advanced melanoma.
Sun exposure is the most preventable risk factor for all skin cancers, including melanoma. You can have fun in the sun and decrease your risk of skin cancer. Here’s how:
Melanoma is the most deadly type of skin cancer. It can take many shapes and appearances. Melanoma is usually a dark color like brown, blue, or black. Other signs to look for include: irregular borders, asymmetry (one half looks different than the other half), and size – melanomas are usually large (bigger than a pencil eraser)