Surgical Oncology - Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. It develops in the cells that produce melanin — the pigment that gives your skin its color.
The exact cause of all melanomas is not clear, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds greatly increases your risk of developing melanoma.
Avoiding excessive sun exposure can prevent many melanomas. And making sure you know the warning signs of skin cancer can help ensure that cancerous changes are detected and treated before they have a chance to spread. Melanoma can be successfully treated if you catch it early.
Risk factors include
- Fair skin.
- A history of sunburn.
- Excessive sun exposure.
- Sunny or high-altitude climates.
- Moles.
- A family history of melanoma.
- Weakened immune system.
Melanomas can develop anywhere on your body. The first melanoma symptoms often are:
- A change in an existing mole, or
- The development of a new, unusual-looking growth on your skin
However, melanomas can also occur on otherwise normal-appearing skin.
Characteristics of unusual moles that may indicate melanomas or other skin cancers follow the A-B-C-D-E guide developed by the American Academy of Dermatology:
A is for asymmetrical shape. Look for moles with irregular shapes, such as two very different-looking halves.
B is for irregular border. Look for moles with irregular, notched or scalloped borders.
C is for changes in color. Look for growths that have different colors or an uneven distribution of color.
D is for diameter. Look for new growth in a mole larger than about 6 millimeters (1/4 inch).
E is for evolving. Look for changes over time, such as a mole that grows in size or that changes color or shape.
Moles may also evolve to develop new signs and symptoms, such as bleeding or itchiness.
Sometimes melanoma can be detected simply by looking at the mole, but the only way to accurately diagnose melanoma is with a biopsy. In this procedure, your doctor or dermatologist removes all or part of the suspicious mole or growth, and a pathologist analyzes the sample.
Once diagnosed, surgery is required. The procedure is termed “wide excision” whereby the cancer or biopsy site is excised with a wider portion of normal skin. A sentinel lymph node biopsy or lymph node dissection may be required for further staging and/or treatment. Other treatment modalities include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, and radiation.
Dr. Salti’s research interests involve melanoma. He is also an investigator in several clinical trials.
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University Surgical Consultants