Melanoma Diagnosis and Treatment
Protect your skin and your health—catch melanoma early and treat it effectively.
Melanoma Can Be Life-Threatening—Here’s How to Catch It Early
Melanoma is one of the most aggressive and dangerous forms of skin cancer, though it accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancer cases. Unlike other types of skin cancer, melanoma can develop on body areas that are not frequently exposed to the sun, making regular skin checks and early detection especially important.
When melanoma is diagnosed in its early stages, it is highly curable through surgical removal. However, if left untreated, melanoma has the potential to spread rapidly to other parts of the body, leading to life-threatening complications.
At
Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group, we are committed to providing expert melanoma screening, diagnosis, and treatment to protect your skin and your overall health.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin—the pigment that gives your skin its color. While melanoma most commonly affects areas exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, such as the back, arms, legs, and face, it can also appear on the soles of the feet, under the nails, and on other hidden areas of the body.
Although melanoma can occur at any age, the
average age at diagnosis is 65. However, it is the
most common cancer in women aged 25-29 and frequently affects individuals under 55.
Types of Melanoma
Several subtypes of melanoma exist, each with its own pattern of growth and appearance. The most common type is superficial spreading melanoma, accounting for approximately 70% of all melanoma cases. This type often arises from an existing mole that begins to change in appearance.
Other Types of Melanoma Include:
- Nodular melanoma: Aggressive and fast-growing, often appearing as a new bump or nodule.
- Lentigo maligna melanoma: Typically occurs on sun-damaged skin, such as the face, in older adults.
- Acral lentiginous melanoma: Found on the palms, soles, or under the nails; more common in people with darker skin tones.
- Mucosal melanoma: Rare, occurring in mucous membranes like the nasal passages, mouth, or genital areas.
What Causes Melanoma?
The primary cause of melanoma is damage to the DNA of melanocytes, often due to UV radiation from sun exposure or tanning beds. Research suggests two key ways UV rays contribute to melanoma development:
- History of Severe Sunburns in Childhood: Intense, blistering sunburns early in life can trigger DNA damage that may lead to melanoma later, even in areas not usually exposed to the sun as an adult.
- Chronic Sun Exposure: Ongoing UV exposure increases the cumulative risk of melanocyte mutations that may result in melanoma.
Risk Factors for Melanoma
Certain individuals face a higher risk of developing melanoma. Risk factors include:
- Fair skin that burns easily and does not tan well
- Red or blond hair and light-colored eyes
- Freckles or numerous atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)
- Family history of melanoma, skin cancer, or multiple irregular moles
- Family history of pancreatic cancer or astrocytoma (a type of brain tumor)
- Parkinson’s disease: Both Parkinson’s patients and melanoma patients have been found to share an elevated risk for each other’s conditions
- History of severe blistering sunburns, especially during childhood
How is Melanoma Diagnosed?
Melanoma is often detected during a routine full-body skin exam conducted by a board-certified dermatologist. Many melanomas are found not because of patient concern, but during these professional examinations. Diagnostic steps include:
- Review of
medical history and risk factors.
- Full-body skin exam using a dermatoscope, a magnifying device that enhances visualization of moles and lesions.
- Photography to document and monitor
suspicious spots.
- Skin biopsy: Removal of all or part of the suspicious lesion under local anesthesia for laboratory analysis.
Treatment Options for Melanoma
Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer, including tumor depth, spread, and overall health of the patient. The primary goal is to remove all cancerous cells and reduce the risk of recurrence. Common treatments for melanoma include:
- Surgical Excision: The standard treatment for early-stage melanoma, where the tumor and a margin of healthy tissue are removed.
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Performed if there is a risk of cancer spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Immunotherapy: Helps stimulate the immune system to attack melanoma cells, especially in advanced stages.
- Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific genetic mutations (like BRAF mutations) in melanoma cells.
- Radiation Therapy: May be used in certain cases where surgery is not possible or as an adjunct treatment.
- Chemotherapy: Less commonly used today but may still be an option for certain advanced melanomas.
Early-stage melanomas are often treated successfully with surgery alone, while advanced cases may require a combination of these therapies.
Frequently Asked Questions About Melanoma
How serious is melanoma?
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer due to its potential to spread quickly to other organs. However, early detection greatly improves survival rates, with localized melanomas having a five-year survival rate of about 99%.
Can melanoma be cured?
Yes, early-stage melanoma can often be cured with surgical removal. Advanced melanoma may require additional treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy.
How can I tell if a mole might be melanoma?
Use the ABCDE rule to evaluate moles. Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, or texture should be examined by a dermatologist.
Can melanoma appear on areas not exposed to the sun?
Yes, melanoma can occur on hidden body parts like the soles of the feet, under the nails, inside the mouth, or on the scalp.
How can I reduce my risk of melanoma?
Reduce your risk by:
- Using broad-spectrum sunscreen daily (SPF 30 or higher)
- Avoiding tanning beds
- Wearing protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
- Performing regular self-skin exams and scheduling annual dermatologist visit
Schedule Your Schedule Your Melanoma Screening Today
If you or a loved one has a suspicious mole or skin lesion, don’t wait. Contact
Phoenix Surgical Dermatology Group to schedule a
professional skin evaluation with our board-certified dermatology team. Early detection and timely treatment are key to protecting your health and saving lives.
