Melanoma - Skin Cancer

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer in which the normal cells of skin become abnormal and grow uncontrolled.

Melanoma can occur on any part of skin including visible or hard to see areas like back, mouth, nose, genitals, etc. If left untreated, the melanoma can spread inside the body to various organs. Melanoma is hereditary and runs in family.

What are the symptoms of melanoma?

Melanoma usually appears like a birthmark or a black or brown mole, however there are features that make it different from them. The features of melanoma can be remembered with pneumonic A, B, C, D and E:

Melanoma usually appears like a birthmark or a black or brown mole, however there are features that make it different from them. The features of melanoma can be remembered with pneumonic A, B, C, D and E:

  • Asymmetryone half of melanoma may appear different from the other half
  • Border Edges may be uneven or jagged
  • Colour Melanoma can have multiple colours and can be of different colours
  • Diameter it’s diameter is usually more than 6mm, can be smaller in early stages
  • Evolution it’s size, shape and colour may change over time

The part of skin affected by melanoma may get swollen and red or crusty and may bleed. Most birthmarks and moles are usually normal and are not melanoma. However if you consider any of them to be abnormal, consult a doctor and show it to them to get an expert opinion.

What is melanoma staging?

Cancer staging means recognizing and categorizing the cancer in one of the categories based on the cancers penetration in surround tissue and spread in the body. It’s useful in suggesting proper treatment for the patient.

Is there a test for melanoma?

A doctor will examine the abnormal growth on skin and if suspected, will advise a biopsy during which the whole abnormal area would be removed or just part of it and send to the pathologist. A pathologist will see it under a microscope to confirm if it’s a melanoma or not.

What is melanoma staging

Melanoma staging is categorizing the cancer based on its invasiveness into the surrounding tissue and the body. The stage of a cancer determines the best-suited management options for particular case along with age and any other medical issues.

How is melanoma treated

Exact treatment varies according to stage of melanoma and case specificities, however generally treatment includes on or more of the following:

Surgery

Melanoma is usually managed through surgery. Even if the complete abnormal patch of skin was removed during biopsy, the lymph nodes (bean shaped organs storing cells to fight infection) draining that area are to be removed and examined too to prevent and confirm the spread of malignant cells inside the body.

Immunotherapy

Medicines that enhance the immunity (infection fighting system) of the body can be helpful in preventing growth of the cancer cells.

Targeted Theraphy

Drugs that target the cancer cells only due to their certain specific characteristics can be used in treating melanoma. These medications block specific protein or molecule found specifically in cancer cells.

Chemotherapy is also used after surgery to prevent recurrence by controlling growth and spread of cancer cells.

Hormone therapy

Certain hormones aggravate the breast cancer. Doctors might advice certain medications and treatments to counter the action of those hormones or to prevent the release of those hormones in the body.

Targeted therapy

Certain medicines target cancers with specific characteristics. Doctor might use them after testing the patient to see if this therapy would work in their case.

Radiation Theraphy

Radiation therapy is used to kill the cancer cells.

Chemotheraphy

Chemotherapy includes several drugs that are used to fight cancerous cells.

What happens after treatment?

Regular follow up is needed after treatment to see recurrence and also to find any new melanomas. In addition to examining the skin in detail, your doctor may also advice blood tests or imaging tests to se any abnormal growth during follow up visits.

It’s recommended to check your skin very month for any abnormal changes and discuss it with your doctor if you find any new mole or marks on the skin or if the ones you had before look different now.

What happens if the melanoma comes back or if a new melanoma appears?

If the melanoma recurs of a new one appears, you’ll have to get treated again using options like surgery, chemotherapy, radiation therapy or immunotherapy, etc.

Can melanoma be prevented?

Melanoma usually appears like a birthmark or a black or brown mole, however there are features that make it different from them. The features of melanoma can be remembered with pneumonic A, B, C, D and E:

Exposure to the sunrays and sunburn are important causes of melanoma. To prevent it from occurring you can:

  • Avoid sun during mid day
  • Wear sun glasses
  • Cover your body in sun by using long sleeved shirt, long pants, hat with wide brim, etc.
  • Avoid tanning beds as they increase melanoma risk

What else should I do?

Discuss with your doctor in detail and follow his advice. Get any tests advised by him and discuss any side effects of treatment that he suggests specific to your case. Whenever your doctor offers you a treatment, always ask:

Exposure to the sunrays and sunburn are important causes of melanoma. To prevent it from occurring you can:

  • What are the benefits?
  • Will it improve quality and quantity of life?
  • Will it prevent or reduce symptoms?
  • Are there any down sides of this treatment?
  • Any better options other than this treatment?
  • What if I don’t follow this treatment?

Book a Consultation

Appointments can be booked online or by phone.