Melanoma Treated at Karmanos

Treatment of Melanoma

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is the most invasive skin cancer. Accounting for only 1% of all skin cancers, it is characterized as growing quickly and having the ability to spread to any organ in the body. Melanoma begins in skin cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, which is the dark pigment that gives skin its color. Roughly 30% of melanomas begin within existing moles. If caught at the earliest stage, melanomas have a very high probability of cure. Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer.

Throughout the past 30 years, melanoma cases have dramatically increased. One of the main reasons for the increase in melanoma cases is the increasing levels of ultraviolet (UV) exposure.

What are the risk factors for melanoma?

The risk of melanoma is increasing in individuals under 40 years old. Women have a greater risk of getting melanoma. Other factors that increase the risk of melanoma can include:

• A family history of melanoma.
• A history of sunburn.
• An increased exposure to UV light.
• Having many moles or moles that are not typical.
• Living closer to the equator or at a higher elevation.
• Skin that burns easily.
• Weakened immune system.

How do I lower my risk for melanoma?

Although sun exposure is not the only cause of all melanomas, sun exposure is a significant risk factor for this type of cancer. These steps can help lower the risk of melanoma including:

• Avoid tanning lamps and beds.
• Avoid the sun during the middle of the day.
• Being familiar with your skin and noticing changes.
• Wearing protective clothing.
• Wearing sunscreen all year-round.

How is melanoma diagnosed?

A health care professional will typically examine the skin to assess for signs of melanoma. If the health care professional finds a suspicious mole, a biopsy procedure removes a sample of tissue for testing in the lab. If melanoma is suspected, the next step is to analyze the extent of the cancer.

What causes melanoma?

Although the cause is not clear for what causes melanoma, this skin cancer occurs when skin cells develop changes in their DNA. The DNA changes give different instructions that cause the cancer cells to grow and multiply at a faster rate. These cancer cells may form a mass called a tumor. Cancer cells can even begin to invade and spread to other parts of the body. When the cancer has spread, it is considered metastatic cancer. UV light does not cause all melanomas, but it can contribute to the risk of melanoma.

What are the signs of melanoma?

Knowing how to identify melanoma is vital because early melanomas are highly treatable. Melanoma can be presented as moles, scaly patches, open sores, or raised bumps. Other characteristics of melanoma can include:

• Asymmetrical shape: Look for moles with unusual shapes.
• Changes in color: Look for growths that have many colors or unusual patterns.
• Changes in size: Look for a new growth larger than ¼ inch.
• Changes in symptoms: Look for new itchiness or bleeding.
• Unusual border: Look for scalloped or notched borders.

Melanomas can develop in parts of the body that have little to no sun exposure. These are known as hidden melanomas and can develop inside the body, in the eye or under a nail.

What are treatment options for melanoma?

Melanoma treatment often begins with surgery to remove the cancer. A stage 0 or stage 1 melanoma may be removed entirely during the biopsy and need no further treatment. If the melanoma has grown deeper into the skin, other treatments may need to be utilized.

Treatments for melanoma will vary based on the type of melanoma, the size and location. You and your cancer care team will work together to decide on the best, personalized treatment plan for you.

Early detection is one of the most powerful weapons in the fight against cancer. Information about melanoma, causes, risk factors, diagnosis and treatment.