Malignant Melanoma

What is malignant melanoma?

Melanoma is one of the most serious form of skin cancer affecting the cells that produce dark protective pigment called melanin.

What does melanoma look like?

Melanoma lesions may appear as a dark brown, black or multi-colored growth with irregular borders that can become crusted and bleed.

The ABCs of melanoma include:
A - Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half
B - Border irregularity: The edges are notched or ragged
C - Color: Varied shades of tan, black and brown
D - Diameter: Greater than 6 millimeters
E - Evolving: Significant change in size, shape, or shade of color

Who is likely to develop melanoma and where?

Melanoma can affect anyone at any age and anywhere on the body. However, people with fair skin, light hair and eye color, or a family/personal history of melanoma have an increased risk of developing melanoma. People with dark complexions tend to develop melanoma on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, under nails and in the mouth.

The tumors can arise in or near an existing mole or may appear without warning. Melanoma may spread to other organs.

What treatment options are available?

Your doctor will biopsy the area in question and send to a lab for examination. If the skin sample is positive for melanoma, your dermatologist will discuss several treatment options with you.

The treatment prescribed for you is based on:
- Location of tumor
- How much the tumor has spread
- The agressiveness of the tumor
- Your overall health

Treatment interventions include:
- Surgical removal
- Mohs Micrographic Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation
Sometimes lymph nodes are removed.

How can I protect myself from melanoma?

• Avoid sun exposure between 10am and 3pm.
• Limit your sun exposure by wearing sunglasses, broad brimmed hats and protective, tightly woven clothing
• Use a broad spectrum sunscreen rated SPF 15 or higher on ALL exposed skin, including lips.
• Wear sunscreen even on cloudy days.
• Reapply sunscreen frequently.
• Avoid tanning parlors and artificial tanning devices.
• Inspect your body for skin changes.
• Routinely visit your dermatologist for a skin examination.

More information...

• 1 in 6 Americans (almost 53,600 annually) will develop skin cancer at some point in their lives. At least 90% of these cancers result from exposure to the sun's ultraviolet radiation.
• Melanoma accounts for only 4% of all skin cancers. HOWEVER, it is responsible for about 79% (about 7,400 annually) of all deaths originating with skin cancer.