Melanoma

Melanoma may be present as a new or changing dark spot. Melanoma may also develop in a pre-existing mole. A mole that develops asymmetry, changes in color, border irregularity, or changes in diameter should be examined by a dermatologist. It is possible for melanoma to develop in areas that are not commonly exposed to the sun, as well as in the mouth and the retina of the eye.

Excessive sun exposures, especially sunburns, are the most important preventable cause of melanoma. Light skinned individuals are at particular risk. Heredity also plays a role; a person has an increased risk of developing the melanoma if a relative has had melanoma. Dysplastic nevi (atypical moles), which may run in families, and a large number of moles may serve as markers for people with an increased risk for developing melanoma.

Dark skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. People with darker skin can develop melanoma, especially on the palms, soles, under the nails, in the mouth, or on the genitalia.

The earliest form of malignant melanoma is melanoma in situ. Melanoma in situ involves the outer surface (epidermis) of the skin only. The risk of melanoma in situ metastasizing is extremely low. When adequately surgically excised, the cure rate of melanoma in situ approaches 100%. Melanomas that have developed an invasive component have a greater risk of metastasizing, with an increasing depth of invasion correlating with an increased risk of metastatic disease. Certain microscopic features may also indicate an increased risk of metastatic disease.

Treatment

Treatment for melanoma in-situ and superficially invasive melanoma risk requires complete surgical removal of the tumor. This is typically performed in the office using local anesthesia. Sutures are used to close the wound.

For deeper melanomas, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be indicated in addition to the surgical removal of the tumor. A sentinel lymph node biopsy is performed by placing a dye around the melanoma site. The dye is then used to detect the first lymph node that drains the affected area. This lymph node is then removed and assessed for possible metastatic disease. When sentinel lymph node biopsies are indicated, patients are typically referred to a general surgeon, who will excise the melanoma and concurrently perform the sentinel lymph node biopsy.

For high risk melanomas, imaging studies, such as a CAT scan, MRI, or PET scan may be recommended to assess for possible metastatic disease. Screening labs (blood work) may also be obtained.

In addition to the surgical removal of the melanoma, patients with more involved melanomas are typically referred to a medical oncologist to discuss additional treatment options, which may include immunotherapy treatment with interferon or more recently vemurafenib or ipilimumab.