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Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading
Skin cancer, melanoma superficial spreading
Melanoma - neck
Melanoma - neck
Melanoma
Melanoma

Melanoma
Definition:
Melanoma is a malignant (cancerous) pigmented tumor of the skin.

Alternative Names:
Skin cancer - melanoma

Causes, incidence, and risk factors:
Melanoma is a malignant skin tumor that involves the cells that produce pigment (melanin), responsible for skin and hair color. It can also involve the pigmented portion of the eye. Melanoma is an aggressive type of cancer that can spread very rapidly. Risk factors include:
  • A family history of melanoma
  • Red or blond hair (and fair skin)
  • Presence of multiple atypical nevi (birthmarks)
  • Development of precancerous actinic keratoses
  • Obvious freckling on the upper back
  • Three or more episodes of blisteringsunburn before age 20
  • Three or more years spent at an outdoor summer job as a teen
  • High levels of exposure to strong sunlight
Types of melanoma include:
Symptoms:

Skin lesion or growth

  • Usually a raised lesion such as a papule, macule or nodule
  • Color that varies (brown, black, red or bluish)
  • Mixture of colors in one lesion
  • Irregular borders, often asymmetrical
  • A change in appearance of a pigmented skin lesion over time
  • Bleeding from a skin growth
Other symptoms depend on the specific type of melanoma.
Signs and tests:
The abnormal area of skin often has a typical appearance that will make the health care provider suspicious that it is a melanoma. A skin lesion biopsy will confirm the diagnosis.
Treatment:
Surgical removal of the tumor, and the normal skin that surrounds it, is usually required. Surgical removal of nearby lymph nodes may also be necessary to see if the cancer has spread (metastasized). A skin graft may be necessary after the tumor is removed if a large area of skin is affected.

Tumor removal may be accompanied or followed by radiation therapy, chemotherapy (use of anticancer medications) or immunotherapy (use of medications that stimulate the immune system, such as interferon). Only the smallest and most shallow melanomas can be reliably cured by surgery alone, so early diagnosis is very important.
Support Groups:
The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems.
Expectations (prognosis):
The outcome varies. Many tumors are removed successfully. However, the success depends on factors such as how far the tumor(s) has spread, if it involves the lymph nodes and the general health of the patient. If the melanoma has spread (metastasized) into lymph nodes or other organs, the cure rate is low.
Complications:
Spread (metastasis) of the tumor is fairly common. See the specific type of melanoma.
Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate that a melanoma may be present, particularly:

  • if any existing skin lesion changes in color, size, texture, or appearance
  • if an existing lesion develops pain, inflammation, bleeding, or itching

All areas of skin should be examined each year as part of a regular check-up so that your health care provider can identify any suspicious "moles" that may in fact be melanoma.
Prevention:
It is recommended that you protect yourself from damaging ultraviolet rays on a regular basis. This includes the following:
  • Applying a good sunscreen -- one with a higher SPF (sun protection factor) -- daily
  • Wearing protective clothing, including hats and sunglasses
  • Refraining from intentionally lying in the sun or using tanning devices
  • Minimizing sun exposure, especially during the summer, and particularly between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 2:00 p.m.
Review Date: 8/2/2002
Reviewed By: Scott Howard, M.D., M.S., Memphis, TN. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network.
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