Skin Cancer Treatment in India

Melanoma cancer is a type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. It spreads rapidly and can affect any organ. Melanoma is caused by melanocytes, which are skin cells. Those cells make melanin, the skin pigment. If you don’t treat melanoma early, it can spread to other areas of your body.

Associated Anatomy of Melanoma Cancer

Skin

Types of Melanoma Cancer

Melanoma is classified into four categories.

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma – A prevalent kind of melanoma that affects the trunk or limbs
• Nodular Melanoma – Most commonly found on the chest, neck, or head
• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma – This occurs less frequently in older persons.
• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma – This spreads on the palms, feet, and under the nails.

Melanoma Cancer Causes

While anybody can get melanoma, those with the following issues are more vulnerable:

• A personal experience with melanoma
• Genetic and environmental factors
• Melanoma in the family
• Fair complexion with freckle, red hair, and blue eyes
• Exposure to the sun’s ultraviolet (UV) radiation
• Living in the equatorial region or at high altitudes may increase UV exposure
• Exposed to sunbeds and tanning lamps
• Numerous moles, particularly a typical moles

Melanoma Cancer Symptoms

The most common melanoma signs and symptoms include:

• A change of colour, discharge, spread of an existing mole
• The appearance of a new, pigmented growth or other abnormalities on your skin

These are the other symptoms that should necessitate an appointment with a doctor:

• When you notice any changes in your skin (such as a new mole), call your doctor immediately.
• An untreated skin sore
• Itchy, painful, or tender skin patches
• An infected area or sore that begins to bleed
• A shining, waxy, smooth or light patch or lump
• A firm, red mass that bleeds, seems ulcerated or is crusty in appearance
• A dry, rough, or scaly flat, red spot

Stages of Melanoma Cancer

Melanoma’s stage of progression is classified according to tumour thickness and other factors.

Melanoma spreads through the following stages:

• Stage 0 (melanoma in situ)
• Stage I
• Stage II
• Stage III
• Stage IV

Melanoma Cancer Diagnosis

Your doctor will use the following criteria for deciding your melanoma stage:

• Measure the thickness
• Check to see if lymph nodes have been affected by the melanoma
• Search for cancer beyond the skin

Typical Test for Melanoma Cancer

After surgery, several tests and treatments may be performed:

• Mapping of lymph nodes and sentinel lymph node biopsy
• CT scan (CAT scan)
• PET scan
• Gadolinium MRI
• Ultrasound examination
• Blood chemistry tests

Melanoma Cancer Treatment

If melanoma occurs, a doctor will recommend treatments based on the extent of the melanoma’s spread, which may include the following:

Surgery

Surgery is the primary method for treating different stages of melanoma.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy happens when a doctor uses drugs to target cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a mode of treatment wherein a doctor provides immune-boosting medications to combat cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation Therapy involves X-rays or other forms of radiation to kill or inhibit the growth of cancer cells.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted Therapy uses drugs to identify specific genes or proteins associated with melanoma.

Risk Factors of Melanoma Cancer

The following factors can also enhance skin cancer risk:

• A high freckle density or a proclivity to acquire freckles in response to sunlight exposure
• A significant number of moles
• Five or more unusual moles on the skin
• Actinic lentigines (liver spots or ageing spots)
• Brown birthmarks are known as “giant congenital melanocytic nevi”.
• Pale skin that tans slowly and burns easily
• Light-coloured eyes
• Light or red hair
• Excessive sun exposure, especially if it results in a blistering sunburn and if the exposure is irregular
• Older age
• A personal or family history of melanoma
• Previous organ transplantation

Melanoma Cancer Preventions

Primary Prevention of Melanoma Cancer

Avoiding excessive UV exposure can help minimise your risk of developing skin cancer. This can be achieved by:

• Preventing sunburn
• Sun-protective clothing
• Staying away from tanning lamps and beds
• Applying broad-spectrum UV sunscreen with at least 30 SPF, preferably with a physical blocker like zinc oxide or titanium dioxide
• Applying sunscreen liberally 30 minutes before going out in the sun
• Reapplying sunscreen every two hours and immediately after swimming or sweating to ensure adequate protection
• Finding shade location between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
• Keeping kids in the shade, wearing protective clothing, and using SPF 50+ sunscreen
• Preventing infants from being exposed to direct sunlight

Secondary Prevention of Melanoma Cancer

A good diet can boost your immune system. A healthy immune system helps the body fight against the disease.

Possible Complications of Melanoma Cancer

If melanoma is detected late, the patient may experience complications. Among them are:

• Skin sore infection
• Necrosis of the skin and pain in the area of the skin sore
• Lymphoedema is a condition in which the patient’s lymph nodes become inflamed, and fluid accumulates in the limbs.

Expected Prognosis of Melanoma Cancer

Survival rates indicate the percentage of persons diagnosed with the same cancer stage who survive for a specified period (typically five years) after diagnosis. Their effectiveness cannot predict your life expectancy, but they can help you assess the chances of favourable treatment. Your doctor will help you understand how these statistics apply to your case.

Factors Affecting Prognosis

Prognosis and treatment choices are dependent on:

• The tumour’s thickness and location within the body
• The rate at which cancer cells multiply
• Whether or not the tumour was bleeding or had ulcers
• The amount of cancer in the lymph nodes
• The number of sites where cancer has spread
• Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) levels in the blood
• Whether the malignancy has mutations (changes) in the BRAF gene
• The patient’s age and overall health condition

Pathophysiology of Melanoma Cancer

When you get any of the following, you need to see a doctor for a skin examination:

• Cancer or abnormal moles
• Skin cancer in the family
• A history of unpleasant or blistering sunburns as a young person
• The presence of new or several large moles
• A change in the size, colour or shape of a mole
• Any itch, bleeding or painful mole

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is melanoma a serious cancer?

Yes, melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. It is considered one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer because it has a higher likelihood of spreading than other types of skin cancer.

2. What is melanoma cancer survival rate?

The melanoma cancer survival rate depends on the stage of the cancer and the individual’s overall health. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage melanoma is high, but the survival rate drops significantly for advanced-stage melanoma.

3. Is melanoma cancer curable?

Melanoma cancer can be curable, especially when detected and treated early. The treatment options and chances of cure depend on the stage and location of the cancer, as well as individual factors.

4. What organs does melanoma spread to first?

Melanoma cancer can spread (metastasize) to any part of the body, but it often first spreads to the nearby lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, or bones. The specific location of the metastasis can vary between individuals.

5. How do you confirm melanoma?

A biopsy is the most reliable way to confirm melanoma. A sample of suspicious skin tissue is removed and examined under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous. Imaging tests may also be used to detect and evaluate the extent of melanoma.

6. What are end stage symptoms of melanoma?

In the end stage of melanoma, the cancer may have spread to other parts of the body, causing symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, severe fatigue, difficulty breathing, seizures, headaches, or bone pain.

7. What kills melanoma cells?

Several treatments can kill melanoma cells, including surgery, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and chemotherapy. The choice of treatment depends on the stage, location, and type of melanoma, as well as the individual’s overall health.

8. Can melanoma come back if removed?

Yes, melanoma can come back  even if it is completely removed. The risk of recurrence depends on several factors, including the stage and location of the cancer, the completeness of the initial treatment, and individual factors.

9. What is the most effective treatment for melanoma?

The most effective treatment for melanoma depends on several factors, including the stage and location of the cancer, the individual’s overall health, and other factors. Options include surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation therapy, or a combination of these.