Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that grows in the cells that create melanin. It can develop in the eyes, mouth, or under fingernails and spread to other organs of the body. Exposing the skin directly to sunlight can increase one’s chance of developing this cancer. Other risk factors include having a fair complexion and genetic history of the disease.
Symptoms
In the initial stages, symptoms of melanoma are evident through the discoloration of moles. Let’s get into some details.
- Unusual new growth
Those with melanoma may notice a reddish-brown growth on their skin. The color will be unevenly spread. The growth will also have an irregular shape. It may appear like a mole that is larger than six millimeters in size. This is a warning sign of the disease. It can appear on the legs, arms, between toes, under fingernails, and even in areas not exposed to the sun. - Changes in growth
Melanoma can cause the mole to grow larger over time, causing it to itch. It may also bleed in some cases. The color may change too, leading to further discoloration of the skin in the mole’s area. Monitor any growth that occurs on the body and track such minute changes. - Blurred vision
If melanoma develops in one’s eyes, instead of moles, one may experience blurred vision. In some cases, partial loss of vision may occur. An indicator of melanoma in the eyes can be a dark spot that exists in the iris. This usually affects vision.
Treatment
After being diagnosed with melanoma, patients have several treatment options. It depends on the stage of the cancer and how far it has affected the body. Some of the treatment options include the following.
- Surgery
In skin cancer, it is easier to surgically remove the cancerous tissue from the body if it exists in the skin’s outer layer. A surgeon will operate the growth on the skin and remove tissue affected by melanoma. This tissue will be sent in for testing to determine how far the cancer has spread and if surgery will be useful in altogether ridding the body of cancer. This is a standard treatment for this disease. - Lymph node biopsy
If the cancer grows into the lymph nodes, a biopsy of the same may be suggested. The sentinel lymph nodes are taken out and then checked for cancer. If it is detected as cancerous, it will be recommended to take out the other lymph nodes close to the affected area. This treatment may be followed by other treatments too. - Immunotherapy
If the cancer spreads to other parts of the body, immunotherapy may be suggested. It aims to treat cancer by boosting the immune system. Melanoma causes cancer cells to secrete proteins that hide them from the body’s immune system. The system can’t find the cells for fighting, which makes them grow out of control. Immunotherapy interferes with this protein production and helps the immune system fight cancer. - Radiation therapy
Through high-intensity external energy beams, radiation therapy aims to destroy cancerous cells in the body. This treatment is usually suggested in the later stages of cancer when it has spread to places that are difficult to operate. X-rays or protons are usually used in radiation therapy to kill cancer. - Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy, given intravenously or via a pill, can fight cancer once it has spread to other organs. It can be injected through a vein in the leg or arm through isolated limb perfusion. Chemotherapy can also have side effects, which makes it necessary to go over the complications with a doctor’s assistance before treatment.
