Melanoma is categorized as a very serious type of cancer. This type of cancer develops in the melanocytes, which are the cells that produce melanin, i.e., the pigment that gives our skin its color. In some rare cases, melanoma may develop in the eyes or internal organs like the intestines.
Melanoma treatment depends on the stage of cancer. It is difficult to pinpoint the exact cause of melanoma, but excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning lamps are known to be a potential risk factor for melanoma.
Melanomas can develop anywhere on the body. The most common areas where they develop are the ones constantly exposed to the sun. In some cases, melanoma can develop in areas that are not exposed to sunlight, such as soles of feet or fingernail beds. The first signs of melanoma are a change in an existing mole and the development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on the skin.
Melanoma can be prevented by restricting exposure to ultraviolet rays. Wearing protective clothing and sunscreen are some of the ways to block direct exposure of skin to ultraviolet sun radiation. Also being aware of changes in your skin helps in detecting unusual pigmentation or abnormal growth of moles.
Melanoma treatment depends on the stage in which the disease has progressed. Stage 0 cancers are the easiest to treat because the cancer cells haven’t grown outside the layer of skin. Herein, we discuss various melanoma treatment methods that are based on the stage of cancer.
1. Stage 0
In this stage, the cancer cells have not grown outside the top layer of the skin. Melanoma treatment for this stage involves the removal of the affected cells and a small portion of the skin surrounding it. In some cases, a second surgery may be required if the cancer cells creep into the edges of the section of skin that was removed. Mohs surgery is performed if the cancer is on the face.
2. Stages I and II
Melanoma treatment for stages I and II involves wide excision surgery. In case the cancer cells seem to spread quickly, sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended.
3. Stages III and IV
In stage III, the cancer cells have spread to lymph nodes but not to other organs. Stage IV is when the cancer cells spread to lymph nodes and other parts. The melanoma treatment at this stage is the removal of affected skin and lymph nodes. Other melanoma treatment methods followed at this stage are immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and isolated limb perfusion. These therapies are usually performed after surgery. Based on the individual’s health condition and the spread of cancer, doctors may suggest a combination of two or more from the above list of therapies to destroy cancer cells.
The risk of melanoma is steadily increasing, especially in people under the age of 40. Knowledge and awareness of the early signs of melanoma help in getting timely melanoma treatment. Early detection of melanoma enables the successful treatment of melanoma.