Understanding Melanoma

Melanoma occurs when melanocytes (the cells responsible for skin pigment) grow uncontrollably, often due to DNA damage from UV radiation. Unlike other skin cancers, melanoma can spread quickly to lymph nodes and internal organs if not treated early.

Although melanoma skin cancer can affect anyone, individuals with fair skin, frequent sun exposure, or a history of sunburns are at a higher risk. Treating melanoma at an early stage significantly improves survival rates.

Identifying Melanoma

Melanoma often appears as an unusual mole or pigmented lesion. The ABCDE rule can help identify warning signs:

A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
B – Border: Irregular, ragged, or blurred edges.
C – Color: Uneven color, with shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or elevation over time.

Other symptoms of melanoma include itching, bleeding, or the sudden appearance of a new dark spot.

Stages of Melanoma

Melanoma is classified into different stages based on how far it has spread. Understanding these stages helps guide treatment decisions and prognosis. We work with your doctor and other specialists to provide surgical treatment when appropriate.

Stage 0 (In Situ): The cancer is only in the top layer of the skin and has not spread. It is highly treatable with surgical removal.

Stage I: The melanoma is small and localized but has started to grow deeper into the skin. Surgery is typically curative.

Stage II: The tumor is larger and may have ulceration, but it has not spread to lymph nodes. Treatment usually involves wide excision and close monitoring.

Stage III: Cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes or surrounding skin. Surgery and additional treatments like immunotherapy or targeted therapy may be needed.

Stage IV: Melanoma has spread to distant organs or lymph nodes. Treatment focuses on systemic therapies such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or clinical trials.

What Causes Melanoma Skin Cancer?

The primary risk factors for developing melanoma include:

Excessive UV Exposure: Repeated exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the leading cause of melanoma. Intense, intermittent sun exposure (such as sunburns) is particularly dangerous.

Fair Skin & Light Features: People with fair skin, freckles, light-colored eyes (blue or green), and blonde or red hair have a higher risk due to less natural melanin protection.

History of Severe Sunburns: Multiple blistering sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence, significantly increase melanoma risk.

Geographic Location & Altitude: Living in regions with high UV radiation levels, such as sunny climates or high-altitude areas, raises melanoma risk.

Personal or Family History of Melanoma: Individuals with a history of melanoma or a family history of the disease are more likely to develop it.

Weakened Immune System: People with suppressed immune function, whether due to organ transplant medications, HIV, or other conditions, are at an increased risk.

Genetic Mutations & Inherited Syndromes: Conditions such as familial atypical multiple mole melanoma (FAMMM) syndrome or mutations in the CDKN2A or BRAF genes can predispose individuals to melanoma.

Having Many Moles or Atypical Moles: An increased number of moles (more than 50) or irregular, dysplastic (atypical) moles raises the risk.

Treatment Options for Melanoma

Our specialists provide cutting-edge surgical care for melanoma. Treatment options vary based on the stage and location of the cancer. Your surgeon will work with you to develop a treatment plan tailored to your individual case.

Excisional Surgery

For early-stage melanoma, the primary, preferred treatment option is excisional surgery. In this procedure, the tumor and a margin of surrounding healthy skin are removed to ensure complete excision. Depending on the tumor’s depth, a wide local excision may be required to minimize the risk of recurrence.

Our surgeons are highly skilled in excisional surgery for many types of skin and tissue disorders, using precision to maximize your health and preserve as much tissue as possible.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy (SLNB)

Sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB) is performed when melanoma has penetrated deeper than 1mm into the skin. This procedure helps determine whether cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes, which is critical in staging the disease and planning further treatment. By injecting a special dye near the tumor site, surgeons can identify and remove the sentinel lymph node—the first node where cancer is likely to spread. If cancer is found in the sentinel node, additional treatments, such as immunotherapy or further lymph node removal, may be necessary to manage the disease effectively.

Learn More

Additional Treatments

• Immunotherapy: Boosts the immune system to fight melanoma cells.
• Targeted Therapy: Used for advanced cases with specific genetic mutations.
• Radiation Therapy: Sometimes recommended if surgery is not an option or if the cancer has spread.
• Chemotherapy: Less commonly used but may be necessary for late-stage melanoma.