Melanoma: An Introduction
Melanoma is a type of cancer that grows in the cells that make melanin (the pigment that gives skin and other body tissues their colors). It usually starts on areas of the skin that have been sunburned, but it can also start on parts of the skin that are never exposed to the sun.
Identifying Melanoma
People who have a high risk of developing melanoma include those who have a family history of the disease or who have a lot of moles or nevi. When you notice a new spot or a change in the shape, color, or size of an existing mole, it is important to visit your doctor. They can examine the area to find out if the spot is a cancerous one. They will also take pictures of the mole and check for other signs that might suggest a change in the skin. They may also ask you to come back in a few months to see if the spot has changed.
Diagnostic Procedures
If the mole is suspicious, a test called a biopsy will be done to find out what it is and whether it is cancerous. Biopsies are a procedure where the doctor removes part of the mole and a sample of normal tissue around it for testing to see if it is cancerous. The test results are then used to diagnose melanoma and stage it. This helps doctors decide the best treatment for you.
Treatment Options
You might be given drugs to kill the melanoma and to help control symptoms such as pain, nausea, or vomiting. They are usually given intravenously or in pill form. Your doctor will also check the lymph nodes that are closest to your melanoma for any changes in size or appearance. This will tell the doctors if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and if it has spread to other parts of your body. They can also look at blood samples to see if any changes are found. They might also recommend imaging tests such as X-rays or CT scans to see if the cancer has spread to other parts of your body. When the test results are known, the doctor will discuss treatment options with you and your family. The most effective treatment depends on the stage of the melanoma and its location.
Early Diagnosis and Adjuvant Therapy
Early diagnosis is the most important thing you can do to reduce your risk of getting melanoma. If a melanoma is discovered at an early stage, it has a good chance of being cured. However, if you have an advanced melanoma, it may not respond to treatment and may spread. If your melanoma has spread, you might have to undergo surgery or other treatments to try to cure it. This is called adjuvant therapy, and it helps improve your survival chances.
Clinical Trials
You might be offered entry into a clinical trial, which is a research program that tests different medications and therapies on patients to see how they work. You'll be given an information sheet about the trial and will be asked to sign a consent form if you want to participate.
