Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs when pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) become cancerous. It is one of the most serious types of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early.

Symptoms of Melanoma

Symptoms of melanoma include the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole, such as an increase in size, change in color, or the development of irregular borders. Other signs include itching, bleeding, or crusting of a mole. It is important to note that not all melanomas will display these symptoms, so it is important to be familiar with the ABCDEs of melanoma: A – Asymmetry (one half of the mole does not match the other) B – Border (irregular, scalloped or poorly defined) C – Color (varies from one area to another; has shades of tan, brown or black, or is sometimes white, red, or blue) D – Diameter (larger than 6mm, the size of a pencil eraser) E – Evolving (a mole that looks different from the rest or is changing in size, shape, or color)

If you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to see a dermatologist as soon as possible. The dermatologist will perform a biopsy of the suspicious area to confirm or rule out melanoma.

Treatment for Melanoma

If a diagnosis of melanoma is made, treatment options will depend on the stage of the cancer and the location of the tumor. Surgery is the most common treatment for melanoma and is used to remove the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue around it. This is known as a wide excision. If the melanoma is found in an early stage, the wide excision may be curative.

If the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, further treatment options may be necessary. These include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. Immunotherapy uses drugs that help the immune system fight cancer cells, targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific mutations in the cancer cells, and radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.

In addition to these treatments, patients with melanoma may also receive adjuvant therapy, which is treatment given after the primary treatment to lower the risk of the cancer coming back. Adjuvant therapy may include drugs that are taken by mouth or injected into a vein.

It is important to note that early detection is key in the treatment of melanoma. The five-year survival rate for melanoma that is caught and treated in its early stages is about 98%, while the five-year survival rate for advanced melanoma is about 23%.

In addition to seeing a dermatologist for regular skin exams, individuals can also reduce their risk of melanoma by protecting themselves from the sun. This includes wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure during the peak hours of 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.

In conclusion, Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body if not caught and treated early. The most common symptom of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. Treatment options for melanoma include surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. The key to successful treatment is early detection, so it is important to be familiar with the ABCDEs of melanoma, see a dermatologist for regular skin exams, and protect yourself from the sun.