CONDITIONS
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, because it can spread quickly if it is not diagnosed in time. When it is found at the early stages, survival exceeds 90 %, and treatment is often a limited operation.
Risk factors
Melanoma is more common in people with fair skin. Certain groups run a higher risk because of factors that have been scientifically implicated.
- Ultraviolet radiation prolonged exposure to the sun or to sunbeds
- Sunburn especially in childhood
- Family history melanoma in close relatives
- Fair skin freckles, red hair, skin that burns easily
- Many or atypical moles a large number of moles or moles with an irregular shape
How a suspicious mole is recognised
Melanoma is recognised by checking moles. The dermatologist examines them with the ABCDE rule. Any mole that grows or darkens is also suspicious, a change that women usually notice earlier than men.
Diagnosis step by step
- Self-examination
Checking the skin for asymmetric moles and changes in colour, size or shape.
- Dermatological examination
Analysis of suspicious moles with a dermatoscope.
- Biopsy
Tissue sampling from the suspicious area for histopathological examination.
- Imaging
CT or MRI at the advanced stages, for the extent of the disease.
Treatments
In most melanomas found in time, treatment is a limited operation. The rule is excision of the tumour and biopsy of the sentinel lymph node. If it is affected, the lymph nodes are removed and adjuvant treatment is discussed. The tumour board may recommend immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy or, more rarely, chemotherapy.
Whatever the treatment, every patient is followed up for the next 10 years, with visits that become less frequent over time.
| Treatment | How it is done | Result and side effects |
|---|---|---|
| Surgical excision | Removal of the melanoma together with a margin of healthy tissue around it. | Extremely effective at the early stages. Small risk of infection or scarring, recovery in a few weeks. |
| Immunotherapy | Drugs such as pembrolizumab and nivolumab boost the immune system to attack the cancer cells. | It has changed the prognosis of advanced disease. Fatigue, rashes, inflammation of organs, with close monitoring. |
| Targeted therapy | Drugs against the BRAF and MEK mutations that drive the growth of the tumour. | Very effective in patients with the mutation. Nausea, skin problems, fever. |
| Radiotherapy | High-energy rays to the area of the tumour or the metastases. | Mainly for symptom relief in metastatic disease. Fatigue, skin irritation. |
| Chemotherapy | Drugs that destroy cancer cells. | Less effective than the newer treatments. Nausea, hair loss, fatigue. |
Prevention
The best treatment for melanoma is prevention, with simple everyday habits. If you notice any suspicious change in your skin, see a dermatologist promptly.
- Sunscreen SPF 30 or higher, reapplied regularly
- No sunbeds their ultraviolet radiation is directly linked to skin cancer
- Clothing and accessories hat, sunglasses, long clothing during the dangerous hours
- Self-examination regular checking of the skin for changes
- Dermatologist regular mole mapping, especially in the high-risk groups
Your care at the 4th Oncology Clinic
Every case is discussed at the Clinic’s tumour board, where medical oncologists, surgeons, radiation oncologists, radiologists and pathologists jointly design the personalised treatment plan. Our patients have access to new treatments through the Clinical Trials Centre and, where there is a family history, to genetic counselling. Meet our team or contact us for an appointment.
Book an appointment
Appointments: 210 48 09 150, 210 48 09 160
Daily 08:00 to 16:00
oncology.clinic4@gmail.com