Melanoma

The exact cause of melanoma is not fully understood, but it is believed to be a combination of genetic and environmental factors. Exposure to UV radiation from the sun or other sources is the main environmental risk factor for melanoma. Other factors that may increase the risk of developing melanoma include:

1. Having fair skin, light-colored eyes, and red or blonde hair
2. Having a history of sunburns or excessive sun exposure
3. Having a family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
4. Having many moles or unusual moles is the strongest predictor of developing melanoma in fair skinned individuals
5. Developing new moles after age 50
6. Having a weakened immune system
7. Certain medical conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum or familial atypical mole-malignant melanoma syndrome (FAMMM)
8. Certain medications, such as immunosuppressants used after an organ transplant

Melanoma can appear in many different ways, and its symptoms can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Some common symptoms of melanoma include:

1. A new mole or growth on the skin, or a change in an existing mole
2. An asymmetrical mole (where one half is different from the other half)
3. A mole with an irregular or poorly defined border
4. A mole with varied or uneven color (such as shades of brown, black, or red)
5. A mole that is larger than a pencil eraser
6. A mole that is itchy, painful, or bleeds
7. A spot on the skin that looks like a scar and does not heal
8. Dark streaks under the nails or on the palms or soles of the feet
9. Swelling or redness beyond the border of a mole

Not all cases of melanoma present with these symptoms. Some melanomas may be colorless, and some may appear as small, smooth, shiny, or waxy bumps. If you notice any unusual changes on your skin or have any concerns about your moles, it is important to have them evaluated by Dr. Stees. While all melanomas have the potential to become malignant (meaning they can spread to other parts of the body), not all melanomas are malignant at the time of diagnosis.

Dr. Stees will review your medical history, inquire about your symptoms and examine the lesion based on the ABCDEs of melanoma. If he suspects a melanoma, he may perform a biopsy to remove a small sample of the tissue and send it to a lab for diagnosis and to identify the microscopic characteristics of the tumor. The treatment plan will depend on the microscopic characteristics of the tumor at the time of the biopsy. The standard of care for treatment of melanoma can be found on the National Comprehensive Cancer Network website.

Treatment options depend on several factors, including the microscopic characteristics of the cancer, the location and size of the melanoma, and the individual’s overall health. Common treatment options for melanoma include:

1. Surgical excision: This is the most common treatment for early-stage melanoma. Dr. Stees will remove the melanoma and a margin of healthy skin around it under local anesthetic to ensure that all of the cancer cells have been removed.
2. Sentinel lymph node biopsy: This is a procedure performed by a surgeon under general anesthesia. It is used to determine if the melanoma has spread to a nearby lymph node.
3. Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be used to treat advanced melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body.
4. Radiation therapy may be used to treat melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body.
5. Immunotherapy may be used to treat advanced melanoma.
6. Targeted therapy uses drugs to target specific genes or proteins that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Targeted therapy may be used to treat advanced melanoma that has specific genetic mutations.

In addition to these treatments, patients with melanoma may also be advised to take steps to reduce their risk of further skin damage, such as avoiding sun exposure and wearing protective clothing and sunscreen. It’s important to work with a healthcare provider to develop an individualized treatment plan that considers your specific needs and circumstances.