Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer worldwide, and melanoma is its most serious form. Although it accounts for only a small percentage of skin cancer cases, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates. In this blog, we’ll explore melanoma in detail—what it is, what causes it, how to recognize early signs, and what treatment options are available.
What is Melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment responsible for skin color. While it most commonly occurs on skin that is frequently exposed to the sun, such as the face, back, arms, and legs, melanoma can also develop in areas not typically exposed to sunlight, such as under the nails, in the eyes, or even inside the mouth or genitals.
Melanoma is known for its ability to spread quickly to other parts of the body, making it more dangerous than other skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma.
Types of Melanoma
There are several types of melanoma, each with different characteristics:
Superficial Spreading Melanoma
Most common form
Grows slowly at first
Spreads across the top layer of skin before penetrating deeper
Nodular Melanoma
More aggressive and fast-growing
Usually appears as a dark bump
Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
Typically affects older adults
Develops from a precancerous condition known as lentigo maligna
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
Most common in people with darker skin
Appears on palms, soles, or under nails
Amelanotic Melanoma
Lacks the dark pigment (melanin)
Can appear pink, red, or skin-colored, making it harder to detect
Causes and Risk Factors
Melanoma is caused by DNA damage in melanocytes, leading to uncontrolled cell growth. Several factors contribute to this damage:
1. Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation
The primary cause of melanoma
Comes from the sun and artificial sources like tanning beds
2. Genetic Factors
Family history of melanoma increases risk
Inherited gene mutations (e.g., CDKN2A)
3. Skin Type
Fair-skinned individuals with light hair and eyes are more susceptible
4. Moles
Having many moles or atypical moles increases the risk
5. Weakened Immune System
People with suppressed immune systems (e.g., transplant recipients, HIV patients) are at higher risk
6. Age and Gender
More common in older adults
Under age 50, more common in women; after 50, more common in men
Signs and Symptoms
Early detection of melanoma significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. The ABCDE rule is a helpful guide for identifying potentially cancerous moles:
A – Asymmetry: One half is different from the other
B – Border: Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
C – Color: Varies from one area to another (shades of brown, black, pink, white, or blue)
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser)
E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or new symptoms such as bleeding or itching
Other symptoms include:
A sore that doesn’t heal
Pigment spreading beyond the edge of a spot
Redness or swelling around a mole
Pain, tenderness, or itchiness
Diagnosis
Early and accurate diagnosis is essential. Here’s how melanoma is typically diagnosed:
1. Physical Examination
A dermatologist will inspect your skin and any suspicious moles or lesions.
2. Dermatoscopy
A special magnifying tool helps examine skin lesions more closely.
3. Biopsy
If a suspicious lesion is found, it is removed and sent to a lab for examination. Types of biopsies include:
Excisional biopsy (entire mole)
Incisional biopsy (part of mole)
Punch biopsy (small cylindrical sample)
4. Imaging Tests
If melanoma is diagnosed and metastasis is suspected, imaging like:
Stages of Melanoma
Melanoma is categorized into stages based on tumor thickness, ulceration, and whether it has spread:
Stage 0 (In Situ): Confined to the top layer of skin
Stage I & II: Localized tumors of varying thickness
Stage III: Spread to nearby lymph nodes
Stage IV: Spread to distant organs (lungs, liver, brain)
Treatment Options
Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage, location, and patient’s overall health.
1. Surgery
Main treatment for early-stage melanoma
Wide local excision to remove cancerous tissue and surrounding skin
Sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for spread
2. Immunotherapy
Boosts the body’s immune response
Common drugs include:
Checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab)
Interleukin-2 (IL-2)
3. Targeted Therapy
Works on specific genetic mutations (e.g., BRAF)
Drugs: vemurafenib, dabrafenib, trametinib
4. Radiation Therapy
Used when surgery isn’t possible or to relieve symptoms in advanced stages
5. Chemotherapy
Less commonly used now due to better alternatives
May be considered if immunotherapy or targeted therapy fails
Prognosis
Melanoma caught early (Stage 0 or I) has a 5-year survival rate of over 90%. However, once it spreads, especially to distant organs, the prognosis worsens significantly.
Prognostic factors include:
Tumor thickness and ulceration
Lymph node involvement
Spread to distant organs
Response to treatment
Prevention Tips
Preventing melanoma involves minimizing exposure to UV radiation and monitoring skin changes:
1. Sun Protection
Use broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen
Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses
Seek shade between 10 AM and 4 PM
Avoid tanning beds
2. Regular Skin Checks
Perform monthly self-exams using mirrors
Look for new or changing moles
Have an annual skin check by a dermatologist
3. Healthy Lifestyle
Eat antioxidant-rich foods
4. Know Your Risk
Talk to your doctor if you have a family history of melanoma
Consider genetic testing if applicable
When to See a Doctor
See a dermatologist immediately if:
A mole changes in color, size, or shape
A new, unusual spot appears
You notice any of the ABCDE signs
A spot starts to bleed, itch, or hurt
Melanoma in Darker Skin
While melanoma is more common in fair-skinned individuals, people with darker skin tones are not immune. In these populations, melanoma often appears in hard-to-spot areas like:
Soles of the feet
Palms of the hands
Under the nails
Mucous membranes
This can lead to delayed diagnosis and poorer outcomes. Awareness and regular checks are crucial for everyone, regardless of skin color.
Living With Melanoma
A melanoma diagnosis can be life-altering, but many people go on to live full, healthy lives after treatment. Support from friends, family, and support groups can be incredibly valuable.
Tips for coping:
Educate yourself about your condition
Ask questions during doctor visits
Follow treatment plans and attend follow-ups
Practice stress-reducing activities like yoga or meditation
Melanoma is a dangerous but largely preventable and treatable form of skin cancer—especially when caught early. Protect your skin from UV radiation, be vigilant about changes in moles or spots, and consult a healthcare provider for any suspicious signs.
At Sparsh Diagnostic Centre, we offer expert dermatological evaluations, biopsies, and advanced imaging tests to ensure accurate diagnosis and timely treatment. Your skin health matters. Don’t wait—schedule a skin check today.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Can melanoma be completely cured?
Yes, if caught early, melanoma can often be completely cured with surgery.
2. Is melanoma always fatal?
No. Early-stage melanoma has a high survival rate. However, late-stage melanoma can be life-threatening.
3. Can you get melanoma without sun exposure?
Yes. Melanoma can develop in areas not exposed to sunlight, such as under the nails or inside the mouth.
4. How fast does melanoma spread?
Nodular melanoma can grow and spread rapidly, while superficial types spread more slowly. Early detection is key.
5. Is melanoma hereditary?
While most cases are not inherited, having a family history does increase your risk.
#BhaloTheko
Disclaimer:
No content on this site, regardless of date, should ever be used as a substitute for direct medical advice from your doctor or other qualified clinician.
