Melanoma
Melanoma, or “black tumor,” is the most severe type of skin cancer. It multiplies rapidly and can spread to any organ. Melanoma develops from skin cells called melanocytes. These cells create melanin, the dark pigment responsible for skin colour. They are often black or brown, but some can be pink, red, purple, or skin-colored.
While the majority of melanomas originate in normal skin, approximately 30% develop in moles that already exist. This is particularly important because most melanomas don’t begin as moles, though the number of moles on your skin may help forecast the chance of developing melanoma. It’s crucial to determine whether you’re in a high-risk category for developing melanoma skin cancer, which can help you be more vigilant in monitoring skin changes and undergoing skin tests, as melanomas have a 99% cure rate if detected early.
At ILS hospitals, melanoma treatment is personalized and comprehensive, utilizing surgery, immunotherapy and targeted therapy. Our expert oncologists and dermatologists utilise advanced diagnostic tools, including skin biopsies, dermoscopy, and CT scans, to accurately diagnose and stage melanoma. Based on the type and stage of melanoma, we create customized treatment plans aimed at improving survival rates and quality of life. We provide compassionate care, offering cutting-edge therapies and continuous support for melanoma patients throughout their treatment journey.
Symptom
Symptoms of melanoma are as follows:
- New mole: Appearance of a new growth on the skin.
- Changes in an existing mole: Size, shape, or colour changes in an old mole.
- Asymmetry: Moles with uneven or irregular shapes.
- Irregular borders: Moles with jagged or blurred edges.
- Colour variations: Multiple colours or uneven pigmentation in the mole.
- Diameter: Moles larger than 6 mm.
- Itching or tenderness: Discomfort or pain in the mole.
- Bleeding or crusting: Moles that bleed or develop scabs.
- Swollen lymph nodes: Nearby swelling may occur.
Causes
Causes of melanoma are:
- Personal and family history of melanoma.
- Fair skin with freckles, blond or red hair, and blue eyes.
- Excess sun exposure
- Living near the equator or at high elevations may expose you to more UV light.
- A history of tanning bed use.
- Numerous moles, particularly those that are atypical.
- A weakened immune system.
Diagnosis
If you have a suspicious mole, we remove it and examine it under a microscope to determine whether it contains cancer cells. This operation is known as a biopsy. Once the biopsy findings indicate the presence of melanoma cells, the next step is to assess whether the melanoma has metastasised. We call this staging.
Following a diagnosis, melanoma will be categorized under a microscope according to several factors, such as the tumor’s stage and appearance. Tumor thickness is the most important factor in predicting outcomes. The stages of melanoma are as follows:
- Melanoma in situ, or stage 0, occurs only in the epidermis, the topmost layer of skin.
- Primary melanoma in stage I is low-risk and shows no signs of spreading. Surgery can usually be used to cure this stage.
- Stage II features indicate a higher risk of recurrence, but there is no evidence of spread.
- In Stage III, the melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or skin.
- When the cancer has progressed to distant lymph nodes, the skin, and internal organs, it is referred to as stage IV melanoma.
Treatment
We offer a variety of treatment options. Surgery is usually the primary treatment for melanoma. During the treatment, the malignant tumor and some of the normal skin around it are removed. The amount of healthy skin removed will vary according to the size and location of the skin cancer. Melanoma surgical excision is typically performed in the dermatologist’s clinic under local anesthesia.
More advanced cases may require alternate forms of treatment in addition to or instead of surgery. Melanoma treatments include surgery, targeted cancer therapy, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Some skin cancer patients may participate in a clinical trial, a patient-centred research program that evaluates a medical treatment, medicine, or gadget.
