Melanoma Treatment Options and Care for Skin Cancer

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 and how does it develop?

Melanoma arises when melanocytes acquire genetic changes that make them multiply uncontrollably. It commonly appears on sun-exposed skin but can develop anywhere there are melanocytes. Factors that influence development include fair skin, a history of severe sunburns, numerous or atypical moles, and family history. Because melanoma can grow deeper into the skin and spread to lymph nodes or organs, staging with clinical exam and imaging guides treatment decisions.

How is skin evaluated for melanoma?

Evaluation starts with a focused skin exam and dermoscopy, a tool that helps clinicians assess moles and pigmented lesions. Suspicious lesions are often removed by excisional biopsy so a pathologist can determine depth (Breslow thickness) and other features. Additional tests may include sentinel lymph node biopsy if the tumor depth suggests a higher risk of spread, and imaging (ultrasound, CT, PET) if metastasis is suspected. Regular skin checks and documentation of moles help track changes over time.

Which cancer treatments apply to melanoma?

Treatment depends on stage. For early-stage disease, wide local excision with appropriate margins is the standard. For regional spread, surgery to remove affected lymph nodes is common. Advanced melanoma may be treated with systemic therapies: immunotherapy using checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., PD-1 or CTLA-4 blockers) that boost the immune response, and targeted therapy for tumors with specific mutations (for example, BRAF and MEK inhibitors). Radiation therapy may be used for local control or symptom relief. Traditional chemotherapy plays a limited role but can still be considered in select cases or within clinical trials.

When should a mole be examined?

Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, border, or becomes symptomatic (bleeding, itching, pain) should be examined promptly. The “ABCDE” checklist — Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter larger than 6 mm, Evolving over time — is a useful guide but not definitive. People with many moles or atypical moles should have regular dermatology follow-up and consider photographic monitoring. If a clinician recommends biopsy or removal, that step aims to confirm diagnosis and determine appropriate margins for treatment.

Does sunburn increase melanoma risk?

Yes, severe sunburns, especially during childhood and adolescence, are associated with increased melanoma risk later in life. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun and tanning devices damages DNA in skin cells and accelerates mutation accumulation. Sun-protective measures — broad-spectrum sunscreen, protective clothing, shade, and avoiding tanning beds — reduce exposure. While prevention lowers risk, surveillance for new or changing lesions remains important because not all melanomas are related to sun exposure.

Conclusion

Melanoma treatment is tailored to tumor characteristics and individual patient factors. Early intervention through biopsy and surgical excision offers the best chance for cure, while immunotherapy and targeted agents have expanded options for advanced disease. Ongoing follow-up, sun-protection strategies, and communication with dermatology and oncology teams or local services help manage risk and detect recurrences. Decisions about care should be made with qualified clinicians who can interpret staging, discuss benefits and risks of therapies, and recommend appropriate monitoring.