What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that starts in the cells that give your skin its color, called melanocytes. It can spread to other parts of the body if not caught early. Melanoma is less common than other skin cancers but can be more dangerous.

What are the Symptoms of Melanoma?

Melanoma can appear anywhere on your skin, including places that don’t get much sun. Here are some signs to look out for:

• A new mole or a change in an existing mole: Look for changes in size, shape, or color.
• A mole with an irregular border: The edges might be uneven or blurred.
• A mole with multiple colors: It can be shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
• A mole that itches or bleeds: These are signs it could be something more serious.
• A large brown spot with darker speckles: These can sometimes be melanomas.

How is Melanoma Diagnosed?

Doctors diagnose melanoma by looking at your skin and doing some tests:

• Skin Exam: The doctor will look at your skin to find any suspicious moles or spots.
• Biopsy: The doctor will remove a small piece of the suspicious spot to look at it under a microscope. This helps to see if it’s cancer.

What are the Common Treatments for Melanoma?

If you have melanoma, there are different ways doctors can treat it:

What is Surgery for Melanoma?

Surgery is the most common treatment. The doctor will cut out the melanoma and some of the skin around it to make sure all the cancer cells are gone.

What is Immunotherapy for Melanoma?

Immunotherapy helps your own immune system fight the cancer. It uses medicines that make your immune system stronger.

What is Radiation Therapy for Melanoma?

Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells. It can be used if the melanoma has spread or if surgery isn’t possible.

What is Targeted Therapy for Melanoma?

Targeted therapy uses medicines that attack specific parts of cancer cells. These medicines can stop the cancer from growing and spreading.

What are the Side Effects of Melanoma Treatments?

Different treatments can have different side effects:

• Surgery: You might have pain, swelling, or a scar where the melanoma was removed.
• Immunotherapy: This can cause tiredness, fever, and rashes.
• Radiation Therapy: It can make the treated area red and sore, and you might feel tired.
• Targeted Therapy: These medicines can cause skin problems, fever, and joint pain.

What is the Prognosis for Melanoma Patients?

The prognosis, or outlook, for melanoma depends on how early it’s found and treated. If caught early, most people do very well. If it’s not caught until later, it can be harder to treat. Regular skin checks and protecting your skin from the sun are important to prevent melanoma.

For expert melanoma care, make an appointment with New England Cancer Specialists. Early detection and advanced treatments are your best defense against melanoma.