Everything you need to know about melanoma

Dear readers,

Have you always wondered what melanomas are, what effects they have, how you can detect melanomas early on using a rule of thumb and how melanomas can be treated?

Melanomas are malignant tumors - also known as "black skin cancer" - that arise from pigment-producing cells in the skin. They are one of the most common forms of skin cancer and can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. Melanomas can manifest themselves as changes in an existing mole or as new, unusual skin lesions appear.

The ABCDE rule is a method to detect changes in moles that could indicate a possible melanoma.

The ABCDE rule:

A – Asymmetry: Is the mole asymmetrical?

B – Borders: Does the mole have irregular or blurred edges?

C – Color (Color): Does the mole have different colors or is it unevenly colored?

D – Diameter: Is the mole larger than 6 mm in diameter?

E – Evolution: Has the mole changed in size, shape or color?

Check your skin regularly for changes using the ABCDE rules and feel free to see me if you suspect melanoma. I can perform an examination or surgery, as the results of the biopsy are crucial for the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma.

Treatment for melanoma depends on several factors, such as the stage of the melanoma, the size of the tumor, and whether the cancer has spread. Here are the common treatment options for melanoma:

1. Surgical removal: The tumor is surgically removed, often with a safety margin from the healthy tissue to ensure that all cancer cells are removed.
2. Immunotherapy: This treatment helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
3. Radiotherapy: High-energy rays are used to kill cancer cells or slow their growth.
4. Targeted therapy: Drugs are used to specifically block certain mutations or proteins that promote the growth of cancer cells.
5. Chemotherapy: Medicines are used to kill cancer cells that divide quickly.

Early detection and early treatment are crucial for a good prognosis for melanoma.

If you have any further questions about melanoma, I am here to help!