Melanoma

Have you noticed any changes in your existing mole? Or have you developed an unusual mark on your body with ragged borders? Well, what you see may indicate something serious and requires medical evaluation. You may be suffering from a serious form of skin cancer known as "Melanoma." This is the most common and invasive type of skin cancer with an increased risk of death. However, it is highly curable if detected at an early stage. Melanoma can appear anywhere in your body, but they are more likely found in sun-exposed areas like the face, arms, back, and legs. Treatment may be critical, but based on the severity and the stage of the cancer, it may include surgical removal, radiation therapy, and immunotherapy.  

Read on to explore everything about this invasive cancer that can deteriorate if not detected and treated on time.  

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma, also known as black tumor, is the most dangerous and invasive form of skin cancer. It develops when pigment-producing cells called melanocytes mutate and begin to increase and divide uncontrollably. It proliferates and can spread to any organ. Most melanomas are black or brown, while some are pink, red, purple, or skin-colored. 

About 30% of melanoma begins in existing moles (a beauty mark present since birth or develops a few weeks after birth), but the rest start in normal skin. It accounts for 1% of all skin cancers but causes an increased risk of fatality. It is most common among young people under 30, especially young women.  

What Are the Stages of Melanoma?

The cancer stage indicates how much it has spread and what treatment would suit it. The stages include:

• Stage 0: The cancer is present only in the superficial skin layer, known as melanoma in situ. 
• Stage 1: The cancer is up to 2 mm thick but has not spread to other parts.
• Stage 2: The cancer may be 1 to 4 mm thick, with or without ulceration. Yet, it has not spread to other parts.
• Stage 3: The cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes but not distant sites. It may be thicker than 4 mm and ulcerated.
• Stage 4: The cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes and organs like kidneys, lungs, or heart.

What Are the Types of Melanomas?

Four types of melanomas have been discussed below: 

Superficial Spreading Melanoma

• Here, the cells grow slowly and spread quickly across the skin.
• It is the most common type seen on the limbs and trunks.

Nodular Melanoma

• It may appear reddish or blue-black and may spread quicker than other types.
• This is commonly seen on the head, neck, or trunk. 

Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

• This is less common and seen in older people, in sun-exposed parts of the body.
• It begins as a stain (Hutchinson's freckle) and grows slowly.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma 

• This is the rarest type found in the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails. 

What Causes Melanoma?

Most often, it is believed that melanomas are caused due to increased sun exposure, especially sunburns when you are young. According to statistics, 83% of melanomas are caused by UV (ultraviolet) rays. UV exposure damages the cell's DNA, making genetic changes that affect how the cells grow and divide.  

Risk Factors

Although anyone can develop melanoma, there is an increased susceptibility to developing the disease if you have:

• History of melanoma
• Family history 
• Fair skin
• A high density of freckles
• Blonde or red hair
• Blue eyes
• Been overexposed to sunlight
• Been living in areas of high UV exposure
• A history of tanning bed use
• Many moles, especially atypical moles
• A weakened immune system 
• A previous organ transplant 

What Are the Signs and Symptoms of Melanoma?

In the early stages, melanoma may be difficult to detect. However, alterations in the appearance of the skin are vital indicators of melanoma.  

Here is a list of symptoms that may prompt you to visit a doctor: 

• Any new mole 
• Change in the shape, size, and color of an existing mole
• A skin sore that fails to heal
• A spot on the skin that may become painful, itchy, or tender
• A sore on the skin that may begin to bleed profusely 
• A lump or bump that looks shiny, smooth, or pale
• A form of red lump that bleeds or looks ulcerated
• A flat red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly  

How is Melanoma Diagnosed?

Melanoma can be diagnosed through skin changes that indicate the presence of abnormal cell mutation. Tumor thickness and spread can help determine the stage of the disease so that an appropriate treatment plan can be designed. 

Your dermatologist (a doctor specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of conditions related to the skin, hair, and nails) can identify abnormal cells through the following diagnostic tests. 

Skin Biopsy

• A small piece of the skin tissue will be excised and studied under a microscope.
• This can help identify abnormal cells. 

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

• This is used for tumors of 0.8 thickness deep.
• This biopsy helps check the spread of the tumor to sentinel lymph nodes.  

Other Imaging Tests 

• CT (Computed Tomography) scan
• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• PET (Positron Emission Tomography) scan

How is Melanoma Treated?

Your melanoma treatment depends on the stage of the melanoma and your general health. 

Treatments for melanoma include: 

Melanoma Surgery

• The dermatologist numbs the skin with local anesthesia to remove the melanoma and a part of the healthy skin surrounding it. 

Lymphadenectomy 

• The melanoma is excised along with the lymph nodes to which the tumor has spread. 

Metastasectomy 

• Here, small melanoma bits are removed from the organs.

Targeted Cancer Therapy 

• In this method, specific drugs are used to target the cancer cells.
• The healthy cells remained untouched or unharmed.

Radiation Therapy 

• High energy rays are targeted to attack the tumor cells to shrink the tumor. 

Immunotherapy

• This therapy stimulates your immune system to fight cancer.  

Can Melanoma Be Prevented?

You can reduce your risk of melanomas by preventing excess sun exposure. The below tips can help you protect your skin: 

• Avoid excessive sun exposure between 10 am and 4 pm
• Don't use tanning beds; instead, use tanning sprays
• Wear hats and glasses and long-sleeved shirts when outdoors
• Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen
• Use a lip balm with sunscreen 

Final note 

Melanoma can be scary since it is highly invasive and aggressive. Thus, it is essential to look for skin changes that may indicate the presence of melanomas. Your doctor can effectively diagnose the tumor through several diagnostic and imaging tests to help tailor your personalized treatment plan. Be alert and seek medical help immediately for any abnormal skin changes in your existing mole or any new spot or bump on your skin.

Melanoma, when detected early, can be beneficial since it is the most durable in the initial stages.