MELANOMA

Comprehensive Care & Treatment For Skin Cancer (Melanoma) in Salem.

What is Skin Cancer (Melanoma)?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops due to over exposure of ultraviolet radiations(UV) and common among women than men. This condition occurs when pigment producing cells that give colour to the skin become cancerous.

Symptoms

• New mole or a change in the color, shape, or size of an existing spot or mole
• A skin sore that fails to heal
• A spot or sore that becomes painful, itchy, or tender
• A spot or sore that starts to bleed
• A spot or lump that looks shiny, waxy, smooth, or pale
• A firm, red lump that bleeds or looks ulcerated or crusty
• A flat, red spot that is rough, dry, or scaly

Types of skin cancer

Superficial spreading melanoma

It is most common type of melanoma. The cells tend to grow slowly at first before spreading across the surface of the skin.

Nodular melanoma

This type of melanoma appears on the trunk, head, or neck. it grows quicker and appear as a reddish or blue-black color.

Lentigo maligna melanoma

This is rare form of skin cancer which occurs in adults, who have excessive sun exposure over several years, such as the face. It looks like stain on the skin.

Acral lentiginous melanoma

This is the rarest kind of melanoma which appears on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails. This is most common type of melanoma in those with darker skin types.

Stages

Stage 0

The cancer is only present in the outermost layer of skin.

Stage I

The cancer is up to 2 millimeters (mm) thick and not yet spread to lymph nodes .

Stage II

The cancer is at least 1 mm thick but may be thicker than 4 mm. It may or may not be ulcerated, and it has not yet spread to lymph nodes or other sites.

Stage III

The cancer has spread to one or more lymph nodes or nearby lymphatic channels but not distant sites. The original cancer may no longer be visible. If it is visible, it may be thicker than 4 mm and also ulcerated.

Stage IV

The cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes or organs, such as the brain, lungs, or liver.

Diagnosis

• Biopsy
• Physical examination

Treatment

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy