Melanoma Skin Cancer
Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancers today. It commonly appears on the most sun-exposed areas of the body, such as the face, hands and neck, but it can also appear on any part of the body.
One of the most aggressive forms of skin cancer is melanoma. It is a malignant tumor of the skin that derives from melanocytes, i.e. the pigment producing cells (melanin). Unlike skin cancer cells that come from keratinocytes and have a slow progression, melanoma has an aggressive biological behavior and easily metastasizes to remote organs of the body through the lymphatic system.
Most of us have a number of moles on our body that remain harmless throughout our lives. However, we must observe any changes in the existing moles or the appearance of new ones, in order to early detect and eventually prevent a diagnosis of malignancy. Certain changes associated with early melanoma detection include changes in color, size and shape.
Technique
Melanoma is usually treated surgically, by removing the melanoma and a small part of the healthy tissue around it. Sometimes a skin graft is placed, that is, a thin layer of skin from another part of the body that replaces what is being removed. Surgical treatment is the basic option recommended for melanoma in the early stages and for the removal of single metastatic foci.
Risks and Side effects
In general, there are no serious risks associated with this surgery. In some cases, scars may develop in the operated area.
Useful Information
- Early detection and diagnosis is very important, as treating melanoma at an early stage is not life-threatening.
- People who run a greater risk of developing melanoma are:
- People with a family history of skin cancer
- People who have already been diagnosed with melanoma in the past
- People who notice changes in the nevi they already have on their body
- People who have many moles
- People with fair complexions
- People who are extremely sun-exposed
As the risk of melanoma is coming back, patients with melanoma have an increased risk of developing another one, so being examined regularly by a doctor is of utmost importance.
