Melanoma Treatment: Options and Care

This article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered medical advice. Please consult a qualified healthcare professional for personalized guidance and treatment.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a malignant growth of melanocytes, the cells that give skin its pigment. It can appear on any part of the skin and sometimes in areas not exposed to the sun. Detection commonly begins with a changing mole or new pigmented lesion. Diagnosis uses visual exam, dermoscopy, and biopsy to confirm the presence of cancerous cells. Accurate diagnosis and early removal are critical because melanoma can spread rapidly to lymph nodes and internal organs if not treated promptly.

How does skin location affect treatment?

The location of a melanoma on the skin influences surgical approach and reconstruction needs. Lesions on cosmetically or functionally sensitive areas (face, hands, feet) may require careful excision with attention to preserving movement and appearance. Wide local excision with margins based on tumor thickness is standard for many primary melanomas. For lesions near lymphatic basins, surgeons may recommend sentinel lymph node biopsy to check for microscopic spread. Multidisciplinary teams including dermatologists, surgical oncologists, and plastic surgeons often coordinate care for complex locations.

How is cancer staging determined?

Cancer staging for melanoma combines tumor thickness (Breslow depth), ulceration status, lymph node involvement, and presence of distant metastases to assign a stage. Imaging tests such as ultrasound, CT, PET/CT, or MRI may be used when higher-stage disease is suspected. Staging guides treatment choices: early-stage tumors may be treated with surgery alone, while stage III or IV disease often requires additional systemic therapy. Accurate staging helps estimate prognosis and plan surveillance for recurrence after initial treatment.

When should a mole be evaluated?

Any new, changing, painful, itchy, or bleeding mole should be evaluated by a healthcare provider. The “ABCDE” rule helps identify suspicious moles: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter over 6 mm, and Evolving changes. A clinician will typically perform a full skin exam and may use dermoscopy to inspect lesions. If a lesion looks suspicious, a diagnostic biopsy—either excisional or incisional—will determine whether cancer is present and provide information about depth and other features important for treatment planning.

Can sunburn influence melanoma risk?

Severe sunburns, especially in childhood, are associated with an increased risk of developing melanoma later in life. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sun exposure and tanning devices damages DNA in skin cells, which can contribute to malignant transformation. While sunburn history is one risk factor, genetics, skin type, and number of moles also play roles. Preventive measures—sunscreen, protective clothing, and avoiding peak UV hours—reduce future risk, but regular skin checks remain important for early detection.

Conclusion

Melanoma treatment spans a range of interventions from simple surgical excision for early tumors to systemic immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or clinical trials for advanced disease. Decisions are individualized based on tumor characteristics, staging, patient health, and location on the skin. Regular skin surveillance, prompt evaluation of changing moles, and sun-protection strategies support early detection and better outcomes. Patients should work with qualified specialists to review pathology reports and discuss the most appropriate treatment and follow-up plan for their situation.