Melanoma
Melanoma is the third most common form of skin cancer (behind basal cell and squamous cell carcinomas). It is also the most dangerous form, growing rapidly from a typically dark lump, mole or mark under the skin.
Melanomas originate from alterations in cells known as melanocytes that generate skin pigments known as melanin. It can develop anywhere on the body and typically looks like a mole without any additional symptoms.
It is the most common and dangerous cancer for young Australians aged 15 to 39. It causes five deaths each day in Australia. Doctors diagnose over 13,000 Australians with melanoma annually in Australia.
What Does Melanoma Look Like?
Melanoma typically looks like a mole without any additional symptoms. It can appear as a dark lump, mole, or mark under the skin. If you notice any unusual or changing moles on your skin, it's essential to consult a skin cancer specialist for further evaluation.
Melanoma Pictures and different types
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can present in various forms. The different types of melanoma include:
1. Nodular Melanoma: This type grows vertically into the skin and is often recognized by its rapid growth.
2. Amelanotic Melanoma: This is a type of melanoma that lacks pigment, making it challenging to diagnose visually.
3. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: This type commonly occurs on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails.
4. Superficial Spreading Melanoma: This is the most common type of melanoma, growing horizontally on the skin's top layer.
Different types of melanoma need different treatments. It's important to see a skin cancer specialist for the right diagnosis and care.
What are the risk factors for getting a melanoma?
The risk of getting melanoma goes up with UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds. This is especially true if you have had sunburns, particularly during childhood.
The risk of melanoma is heightened for individuals who have:
- exposure to UV radiation without protection
- a past of childhood sunburn and tanning
- a history of brief, intense exposure to UV radiation
- a large number of moles– over 50 on the body and more than 10 above the elbows on the arms
- an increased count of abnormal moles (dysplastic naevi)
- weakened immune systems
- a family history of melanoma in a close relative
- light skin, a propensity to burn instead of tan, freckles, light eye color (blue or green), light or red hair color
- a history of melanoma or non-melanoma skin cancer
Melanoma Treatment In Melbourne
How is melanoma treated In Australia?
Doctors in Australia typically treat melanoma through various methods such as surgery, radiotherapy, and immunotherapy. Surgery is the main treatment for early melanoma. Advanced cases may need more treatments like lymph node surgery or immunotherapy.
Doctors also use radiotherapy for early-stage melanomas. It's essential to consult a skin cancer specialist for the most appropriate treatment plan tailored to individual cases.
Radiotherapy
Radiation therapy is a good option for treating melanomas that cannot be removed with surgery. It is also a suitable choice for patients who are unable to undergo surgery. It can be combined with other treatments like surgery or chemotherapy to help patients with melanoma have better results.
Talk to your doctor about the possible side effects and risks of radiation therapy before beginning your treatment. Radiation therapy for melanoma can cause skin irritation, tiredness, and changes in skin colour or texture. Your Skin Cancer doctor will watch you carefully during treatment to manage side effects and ensure the best results.
Immunotherapy
In advanced melanoma, cancer spreads to lymph nodes or organs. Immunotherapy is a very effective treatment option. This is especially true when there is a high risk of metastasis.
Immunotherapy works by harnessing the body's own immune system to target and destroy cancer cells. This method has been very successful in helping patients with advanced melanoma. Several individuals have even experienced long-term recovery from the illness.
