Malignant Melanoma

Malignant Melanoma is the least common, but most dangerous form of skin cancer that accounts for up to 75% of skin cancer fatalities. It presents as a darkened patch of skin, with atypical borders.

Color can vary from light brown to black, although in rare instances, called amelanotic melanoma, it can be skin coloured. A good testing mnemonic is available for diagnosing melanoma, called the ABCDEs of melanoma. They refer to the appearance of melanoma: Asymmetry, Borders that are irregular, Color changes, Diameter larger than a pencil eraser, and Evolving growth.

Melanoma Staging and Treatment

Stage 0:

Stage 0 melanomas have not grown deeper than the epidermis. They are usually treated by removing the lesion and a margin of area around the area to ensure that all of the melanoma is removed. These melanomas are sometimes called melanoma-in-situ.

Stage 1:

• Tumor not spread to the nodes.
• Tumor is less than 2mm.

Stage 1 melanomas are treated by removing the lesion and a margin of area around the area to ensure that all of the melanoma is removed. A wider margin of skin is taken to ensure safety.

Stage 2:

• Tumor not spread to the nodes.
• Tumor is less than 4mm.

A wider excision is required to treat stage 2 melanomas. For larger melanomas, additional therapy such as interferon may also be recommended.

Stage 3:

• Tumor spread to nearby lymph nodes.

Stage 3 melanomas have metastasized from the skin to the nearby lymph nodes. Surgical treatment of the lesion is usually followed by lymph node dissection. Additionally, interferon and/or vaccines may be used. Chemotherapy and radiation therapy may also be combined.

Stage 4:

• Tumor has spread to distant areas of the body

Stage 4 melanomas have spread to distant sites in the body. The melanoma at the original site will be removed, but the main therapy will be systemic, affecting the entire body.

• Treating Melanoma
• Images of Melanoma

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