Skin cancer develops when abnormal skin cells grow uncontrollably, often due to unrepaired DNA damage in skin cells. This damage can trigger mutations that cause the cells to multiply rapidly and form malignant tumors. While there are several types of skin cancer, melanoma is one of the most serious forms because of its potential to spread to other parts of the body. Ongoing research continues to refine how this condition is diagnosed and managed. Here’s information on some modern advances in melanoma treatments:
Diagnosing a Melanoma
Accurate diagnosis is the foundation of any treatment plan. When a suspicious skin lesion is identified, a clinician will determine the appropriate tests to confirm whether it’s a melanoma. This process involves a detailed examination and may include a tissue sample for laboratory analysis.
A melanoma is a less common but more aggressive type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes. These cells are responsible for producing pigment in the skin. Some other forms of skin cancer include:
- Basal Cell Carcinoma (BCC): The most common type of skin cancer, originating in the basal cells of the epidermis. It typically grows slowly and rarely spreads to other parts of the body.
- Squamous Cell Carcinoma (SCC): This type arises from the squamous cells in the skin’s outer layer. It has a higher likelihood of spreading if left untreated.
- Merkel Cell Carcinoma (MCC):Â An aggressive, rarer form of cancer that appears as firm, painless nodules on sun-exposed areas like the face or neck.
Diagnostic Biopsies
To determine if a skin lesion is cancerous, a clinician may need a tissue sample for a pathologist to examine. Several biopsy techniques can be used, including excisional, incisional, punch, or shave biopsies. The chosen method depends on factors like the lesion’s size, depth, and location, and each technique allows for the collection of skin tissue for microscopic evaluation.
Non-invasive Diagnostic DermTech
An alternative or preliminary step to a traditional biopsy is a non-invasive genomic test. One method is DermTech testing, which uses an adhesive patch or sticker to collect surface skin cells. This allows for testing on a suspicious mole or area without cutting the skin. These cells are then analyzed for specific genomic markers, including RNA and DNA, that link to melanoma. Results from this pigmented lesion assay (PLA) test help inform whether a surgical biopsy is necessary for a particular lesion.
Treating a Melanoma
The treatment path for melanoma is highly individualized and depends on the specific characteristics of the tumor, such as its thickness and stage, as well as the patient’s overall health. After diagnosis, a multidisciplinary team may recommend various options for comprehensive care. Some common treatment modalities for skin cancer include:
- Sentinel Lymph Node Evaluation: A procedure to determine if the melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
- Targeted Therapy: Medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth.
- Immunotherapy: Treatments that use the body’s own immune system to fight cancer cells.
- Radiation Therapy: The use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Surgical Removal: Excising the primary tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue.
Getting Mohs Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise surgical technique that may be recommended for treating certain types of melanoma, particularly those in cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas. During this procedure, the surgeon removes the visible tumor and then proceeds to remove thin layers of surrounding skin one at a time. Each layer is immediately examined under a microscope, and the process continues until no cancer cells are detected at the margins. This methodical approach is designed to remove the cancerous tissue while preserving as much healthy skin as possible.
Schedule a Skin Evaluation
The information surrounding melanoma diagnosis and treatment is continually evolving, offering you comprehensive treatment options for skin cancers, like melanomas. An early evaluation by a qualified clinician is fundamental for developing a management plan tailored to your specific circumstances. Schedule a thorough assessment today, and consult with a specialist about your skin concerns.
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