Skin Cancer

Melanoma

 

What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer characterized by uncontrolled growth of pigment cells. It may appear without warning and can develop anywhere on the body, although it's more common on the face, neck, upper back and legs.

Melanoma is a malignant tumor derived from melanocytes, which are cells from the neuro-ectodermal crest (the tissue matrix for the brain and medullary spine) that settle within the epidermis and become part of the skin. Melanocytes are not skin cells; they produce the melanin pigment that protects the skin from sun damage.
Melanocytes are scattered throughout the basal parts of the epidermis, sometimes in clusters called "melanocytic nevi". Although these nevi are typically benign and should not be mixed up with melanomas, they can become malignant.

Is melanoma a serious disease?
Yes. Malignant melanoma may spread to other organs and result in death. But if detected in its early stages, melanoma can be treated successfully.

What causes melanoma?
Excessive exposure to the sun is the most common cause. Genetic factors and immune system deficiencies also play a role.

What does malignant melanoma look like?
It starts off as a flat, light brown to black blemish with irregular borders. Usually at least a quarter of an inch big, they may become crusty and bleed, turning shades of red, blue and white. They often appear on the upper back, torso, lower legs, head and neck.

What are Stages?
Melanoma is usually classified into four Stages of development. Stage I shows a mole or growth on the top layer of the skin. Stage II indicates that the growth is deeper but has not spread anywhere else in the body. Stage III indicates that the melanoma has spread to a nearby lymph basin (the most common) or other nearby tissues. Stage IV means it has spread to more distant areas of the body. The higher the Stage level, the more dangerous the melanoma becomes. It is crucial that melanoma is treated in its early stages.

What are the recommended treatments for melanoma?
Surgery is the most common treatment, and adjuvant therapy, which is any treatment given after surgery to prevent melanoma from recurring, is given as needed. Types of adjuvant therapy include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation therapy.

Chemotherapy can either be a systemic treatment, affecting cancer cells all over the body, or it can be applied using localized techniques called infusion and perfusion, where chemicals are placed into the limb or area where melanoma presented itself. Immunotherapy is a method designed to help the immune system fight off cancer cells; Interferon and Interleukin are typically the forms used for melanoma. Radiation therapy is a treatment option for patients who have additional types of cancer along with melanoma. This localized treatment damages the cancer cells, thereby inhibiting their growth.
Patients should research all possible treatments options before making a decision. Melanoma patients should not only be examined regularly by a doctor, but should also do self-examinations on a regular basis. Siblings and children of patients should be examined regularly as well.

Can melanoma be prevented?
Yes. You can prevent it by avoiding intense exposure to the sun, applying sunscreen whenever you go outdoors, and wearing protective clothing when under the sun, such as hats or long pants