Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, it is more aggressive and has a higher risk of spreading to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving outcomes.

Characteristics of Melanoma:

• Appearance: Melanomas often look like irregular moles or pigmented spots. They may be asymmetrical, have uneven borders, vary in color, or be larger than 6 millimeters in diameter.
• Location: Can develop anywhere on the body but are more common in areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, back, legs, and arms. In individuals with darker skin, melanomas may occur in less-exposed areas, such as the palms, soles, or undernails.
• Symptoms: May change in size, shape, or color, bleed, or develop a crust. Some melanomas can appear as a new, unusual growth on the skin.

Causes and Risk Factors:

• UV Exposure: Excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds increases the risk.
• Fair Skin: Individuals with lighter skin, freckles, or light-colored eyes are at higher risk.
• Moles: Having many moles or atypical moles increases the risk.
• Family History: A family history of melanoma or other skin cancers raises the likelihood of developing melanoma.

Treatment Options:

Treatment for melanoma depends on its stage, size, and location, as well as whether it has spread.

• Surgical Excision: Early-stage melanomas are typically treated with surgical removal. The procedure involves excising the melanoma along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal.
• Mohs Surgery: Used in certain cases, especially for melanomas in cosmetically sensitive areas like the face. Allows precise removal of cancerous tissue while sparing as much healthy tissue as possible.
• Immunotherapy: Medications that stimulate the immune system to attack melanoma cells. Examples include checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab or nivolumab.
• Targeted Therapy: Used for melanomas with specific genetic mutations, such as BRAF mutations.Includes medications like vemurafenib and dabrafenib, which block cancer cell growth.
• Chemotherapy: Less commonly used but may be recommended for advanced cases where other treatments are not effective.
• Radiation Therapy: Sometimes used for melanomas that have spread to lymph nodes or other areas.
• Lymph Node Dissection: If melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgical removal of these nodes may be necessary.

Prevention and Monitoring:

• Protect your skin by using sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds.
• Regularly examine your skin for changes, following the "ABCDE" rule: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, Evolution or change.
• Schedule regular skin checks with a dermatologist, especially if you have a history of skin cancer or other risk factors.

If you have any spots you are concerned about, contact us or schedule an appointment online for a skin check.