Symptoms
The first sign of melanoma is a change in the
size, shape, or color of an existing mole. When melanoma develops in an existing
mole, the texture of the mole can change. For example, it can become hard,
lumpy, or scaly. Although a melanoma may feel different and may itch, ooze, or
bleed, it usually does not cause pain. It is important that melanoma be detected
as early as possible. The disease can be cured if it is diagnosed and treated
when the tumor is thin and has not deeply invaded the skin. However, if a
melanoma is not removed early, cancer cells can grow downward from the skin
surface, invading healthy tissue. When a melanoma becomes thick and deep, the
disease often spreads to other parts of the body and is difficult to control.
Diagnosis
A biopsy is the only method of making a definite
diagnosis. If melanoma is found, the extent, or stage, of the disease should be
assessed before planning treatment. The treatment plan takes into account the
thickness of the tumor, how deeply the melanoma has invaded the skin, and
whether melanoma cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes or other parts of the
body. Removal of nearby lymph nodes for examination under a microscope is
sometimes necessary. The doctor conducts a thorough physical examination and,
depending on the thickness of the tumor, may order chest x-rays, blood tests,
and scans of the liver, bones, and brain.
Treatment:
Treatment for melanoma depends on the extent of disease and the patient's age
and general health.
Surgery to remove a melanoma is the standard
treatment for this disease. It is necessary to remove not only the tumor but
also some normal tissue around it to decrease the chance that any cancer cells
will be left in the area.
If a large area of tissue is removed, a skin
graft may need to be done at the same time.
For melanomas that have
spread to other parts of the body, other methods of treatment, such as
chemotherapy, biological therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these
methods are used.
Melanoma patients have an increased risk of developing
new melanomas. Some also are at risk for a recurrence of the original melanoma
in nearby skin or in other parts of the body.
