Expert Care for Melanoma

Melanoma: Symptoms, Causes, Diagnosis, and Treatment | AIROC Hospitals

About Melanoma – Overview and Types

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. While it is less common than other forms of skin cancer, melanoma is more likely to grow quickly and spread to other parts of the body if not caught early, making timely diagnosis especially important. At AIROC Hospitals, our dermatologic and surgical oncology specialists combine careful skin evaluation with advanced treatment options to manage melanoma effectively at every stage.

Melanoma most commonly develops on sun-exposed areas of the skin but can also occur in less typical locations, including areas with little sun exposure. When detected early, melanoma is highly treatable, which is why our team at AIROC Hospitals emphasizes regular skin checks and prompt evaluation of any new or changing skin lesions.

Types of Melanoma

Melanoma is classified based on how and where it grows:

• Superficial Spreading Melanoma – The most common type, typically growing outward along the surface of the skin before moving deeper.
• Nodular Melanoma – A more aggressive form that tends to grow deeper into the skin more quickly, often appearing as a raised bump.
• Lentigo Maligna Melanoma – Usually develops in older adults on sun-damaged skin, particularly the face, and tends to grow slowly.
• Acral Lentiginous Melanoma – Occurs on the palms, soles, or under the nails, and is not necessarily linked to sun exposure.
• Mucosal Melanoma – A rare form that develops in mucous membranes, such as those in the mouth, nose, or genital area.
• Ocular (Uveal) Melanoma – Develops in the eye and is managed separately due to its distinct behavior and treatment approach.

Identifying the specific type and depth of melanoma is essential for determining the most effective treatment approach, and our specialists at AIROC Hospitals conduct thorough evaluation to guide personalized care.

 

Symptoms and Causes

Common Symptoms of Melanoma

Melanoma often presents as a new or changing skin lesion, commonly recognized using the "ABCDE" warning signs:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other
• B – Border: Irregular, blurred, or notched edges
• C – Color: Uneven color, including shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6 millimeters, about the size of a pencil eraser (though melanomas can be smaller)
• E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, color, or texture over time

Additional symptoms may include:

• A sore that doesn't heal
• Itching, tenderness, or pain in a mole
• Redness or swelling that spreads beyond the border of a mole
• Changes in sensation, such as itching or tingling

Because early melanoma can resemble a harmless mole, any new or changing skin lesion should be evaluated promptly by a specialist.

Causes and Risk Factors

Melanoma develops when melanocytes undergo abnormal genetic changes, often triggered or influenced by the following risk factors:

• Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure: Both natural sunlight and artificial sources, such as tanning beds, significantly increase risk, particularly with a history of sunburns.
• Fair Skin, Light Hair, or Light Eyes: Individuals with lighter pigmentation have a higher risk due to lower natural protection against UV damage.
• Numerous or Atypical Moles: Having many moles, or moles with irregular features, increases the likelihood of developing melanoma.
• Family History: A family history of melanoma raises individual risk, particularly with certain inherited genetic mutations.
• Personal History of Skin Cancer: Individuals previously diagnosed with melanoma or other skin cancers have an increased risk of developing new lesions.
• Weakened Immune System: Conditions or medications that suppress immune function can increase susceptibility.
• Age: While melanoma can occur at any age, risk generally increases with age, though it is also one of the more common cancers in younger adults.

Understanding these risk factors helps our team at AIROC Hospitals guide appropriate skin monitoring and preventive strategies for each patient.

 

Diagnosis and Treatment

How Melanoma Is Diagnosed

At AIROC Hospitals, we use a thorough diagnostic approach to accurately identify and stage melanoma:

• Skin Examination: A detailed visual and dermoscopic evaluation of the skin to assess suspicious lesions.
• Biopsy: A sample of the suspicious lesion is removed and examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and measure tumor thickness.
• Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: Used to check whether melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes, particularly for thicker lesions.
• Imaging Tests: CT, PET, or MRI scans may be used to determine whether the cancer has spread beyond the skin.
• Genetic and Molecular Testing: Performed on tumor tissue to identify specific mutations that can guide targeted treatment decisions, particularly for advanced melanoma.

Treatment Options at AIROC Hospitals

Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage, thickness, and location of the tumor, and may include:

• Surgery: The primary treatment for most melanomas, involving removal of the tumor along with a margin of surrounding healthy skin.
• Lymph Node Surgery: May be performed if melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Immunotherapy: Helps the immune system recognize and attack melanoma cells, and has become a cornerstone treatment for advanced or high-risk melanoma.
• Targeted Therapy: Directed at specific genetic mutations, such as BRAF mutations, offering a more personalized treatment approach for certain patients.
• Radiation Therapy: May be used to treat areas where melanoma has spread or to reduce the risk of recurrence in certain cases.
• Chemotherapy: Less commonly used today but may be considered in specific advanced cases.

Our multidisciplinary team at AIROC Hospitals — including dermatologists, surgical oncologists, and medical oncologists — works together to design a treatment plan focused on the best possible outcome.

 

Prevention and Risk Factors

While not all cases of melanoma can be prevented, several measures can significantly reduce risk and support early detection:

• Sun Protection: Using broad-spectrum sunscreen, wearing protective clothing, and seeking shade during peak sun hours can help reduce UV-related risk.
• Avoiding Tanning Beds: Artificial UV exposure from tanning beds is a well-established risk factor that can be avoided entirely.
• Regular Skin Self-Examinations: Checking your skin regularly for new or changing moles helps support early detection.
• Professional Skin Checks: Routine evaluation by a dermatologist, especially for individuals with many moles or a family history of melanoma, allows early identification of suspicious lesions.
• Prompt Evaluation of Changing Moles: Any mole that changes in size, shape, color, or texture should be assessed by a specialist without delay.

At AIROC Hospitals, we encourage regular skin checks and sun-safe habits, as early detection remains one of the most effective ways to achieve successful outcomes in melanoma treatment.

 

This content is intended for informational purposes only and does not substitute professional medical advice. Please consult a specialist at AIROC Hospitals for personalized diagnosis and treatment recommendations.