Malignant melanoma, also known as malignant skin cancer, is a type of skin cancer that originates in cells called melanocytes, which produce pigment in the epidermis. While melanomas typically occur on the skin, they can rarely also be found in the mouth, eyes, or intestines.<\/p>\n
Melanoma occurs when problems arise in melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Under normal conditions, the cells that make up skin tissue renew and multiply in a controlled and regular manner. Healthy cells push damaged, old cells towards the skin\u2019s surface; damaged cells die and are shed on the surface. Renewed cells from below then take over the task of repairing the skin.<\/p>\n
Intense exposure of the skin to the sun\u2019s harmful rays can lead to genetic damage and accumulated mutations in melanocytes, initiating the cancerous process. Cancerous melanoma cells can initially spread horizontally, and in later stages, vertically. The vertical spread stage is considered metastasis, meaning spread to lymph nodes and other organs.<\/p>\n
Treatment for malignant melanoma is determined on a case-by-case basis, depending on several factors such as the stage of the melanoma, age, and overall health. Melanoma is generally staged as 0, I, II, III, and IV.<\/p>\n
In stage 0, cancer cells are limited to the cells in the epidermis, the uppermost layer of the skin. At this stage, cancer cells have not yet invaded deeper layers. Wide removal of the affected area is the primary treatment method.<\/p>\n
In stage 1, melanoma can reach a thickness of 1 mm with ulceration or up to 2 mm without ulceration. The main treatment is surgery. A sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to check for spread to the lymph nodes. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is recommended for some patients with a Breslow thickness greater than 1 mm or those with other unfavorable prognostic factors. (Breslow thickness refers to the thickness of the vertical progression of melanoma cells within the skin.)<\/p>\n
In stage 2, melanoma is defined by thickness and ulceration. Tumors thicker than 2 mm, with or without ulcers, may be observed. At this stage, cancer cells are growing deep into the skin, but there is no spread to the lymph nodes or beyond. The main treatment is surgical removal of a wide portion of the cancerous area and sentinel lymph node biopsy.<\/p>\n
In stage 3, melanoma can be any thickness, having spread to nearby lymph nodes or tissues. The main treatment is surgical removal of the cancerous cells. Lymph node dissection, drug (chemotherapy, immunotherapy), and radiation therapies may be considered.<\/p>\n
In stage 4, cancerous cells have spread to distant lymph nodes and distant organs such as the lungs, liver, and brain. At this stage, melanoma can be any thickness. Surgical intervention or drug treatment (chemotherapy, immunotherapy) may be recommended. Radiation therapy may also be used.<\/p>\n
The most common treatment for patients with stages 0, 1, or 2 is surgery. If detected early, approximately 90% of melanomas can be treated with a simple surgical procedure. Patients diagnosed with stage III or IV melanoma may undergo a combination of treatments, including surgery, medication, and radiation.<\/p>\n
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates from melanin cells in the upper layer of the skin or similar cells that can be found in moles. In this type of skin cancer, cancer cells can spread to deeper layers of the skin. Some cancer cells can metastasize, leading to tumor formation in vital organs of the body.<\/p>\n
Malignant melanoma usually does not cause specific symptoms in the early stages. In later stages, non-healing lesions or changes in size and color of existing moles may occur. Early diagnosis is crucial for this type of skin cancer, and to take necessary precautions, a dermatologist should be consulted immediately if any pigmented or non-pigmented lesion itches, burns, softens, hardens, crusts, bleeds, is surrounded by a red or inflamed area, or changes in color, size, or shape.<\/p>\n
The exact cause of malignant melanoma is unknown. However, excessive exposure to sunlight, especially from adolescence onwards, increases the risk of developing skin cancer.<\/p>\n
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Genetic factors may be associated with an increased risk for familial malignant melanoma. Familial predisposition can be inherited through autosomal dominant genes. Genetic predisposition to a disease means that some people may carry the defective gene but may never develop the disease unless triggered by any factor.<\/p>\n
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can occur in both men and women, and its incidence is not gender-specific. Individuals of European descent and those with fair skin and blue eyes have a higher risk of developing malignant melanoma.<\/p>\n
Differential diagnosis is crucial for accurate diagnosis and treatment, as the symptoms of basal cell carcinoma, squamous cell carcinoma, and Kaposi\u2019s sarcoma can be similar to those of malignant melanoma.<\/p>\n
There are four main types of malignant melanoma: superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and acral lentiginous melanoma. There are also rarer types such as mucosal lentiginous melanoma, intraocular melanoma, and dermoplastic melanoma.<\/p>\n
Malignant melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. The first sign is usually changes in the size, shape, or color of moles on the body.<\/p>\n
You can learn more about skin lesions by watching the video I prepared for you.<\/a><\/p>\n
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