Melanoma Skin Cancer: Symptoms, Early Detection & Treatment

Around 16,700 people receive a melanoma diagnosis annually in the UK. Over the past few decades, there has been an increase in the number of melanoma diagnoses. In the UK, melanoma is the fifth most frequent type of cancer.

In recent years, remarkable progress has been made in the field of melanoma research, ushering in a new era of early detection and treatment options. Whether it be innovative screening techniques or groundbreaking therapies, it has evolved the landscape of medical science to promise improved outcomes and survival rates. So if you wish to learn more about melanoma skin cancer’s symptoms and treatments, this blog empowers readers with knowledge by unraveling the complexities of melanoma and its progression, along with fostering a proactive stance towards prevention and timely intervention. Join us on this journey through the frontiers of medical breakthroughs in the battle against melanoma.

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that is developed from skin cells called melanocytes.

Most Common Type of Skin Cancer

There are 2 main types of skin cancer:

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TYPE #1	TYPE #2
Non melanoma skin cancer (which includes basal cell skin cancer,squamous cell skin cancer and other rare types)	Melanoma skin cancer.

Where Does Melanoma Start?

Melanocytes, which are skin cells, are where melanoma begins. These cells are situated between the basal cell layer and the deep layer of the epidermis. Melanin is a pigment produced by melanocytes. Skin gets its natural color from this. The pigment aids in shielding the body from the sun’s ultraviolet radiation, or UV light. Furthermore, it can also be developed in a mole or, more rarely, in areas that are not exposed to the sun.

Who Gets Melanoma?

Melanoma can develop in individuals at any age. However, it’s more common in older people. It often affects younger people fairly frequently when compared to most other types of cancer. Sunlight and sunbed ultraviolet radiation are the primary environmental factors that raise the chance of acquiring melanoma.

Other risk factors that you need to consider include:

Skin type
Hair and eye color
Number of moles
Family history of melanoma

How is Melanoma Diagnosed by Dermatologists?

When you visit a dermatologist that is board-certified, they will:

Carefully examine your skin
Inquire about your skin cancer initial symptoms, medications, and overall health.

In the event that a skin spot appears to be skin cancerous, your dermatologist will numb the affected area before excising all or a portion of it. This procedure, known as a skin biopsy, can be carried out in an office setting. A dermatologist may complete this straightforward treatment swiftly, securely, and with ease.

Stages of Melanoma

Here’s an explanation of what each stage of melanoma means:

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#1	The cancer occurs in the top layer of skin.
#2	The tumor has gotten thicker, but the malignancy is limited to the skin. The melanoma’s skin is still intact in stage 1A. The melanoma’s skin has become ulcerated (broken open) in stage 1B.
#3	The thickness of the melanoma has increased, ranging from 1.01 millimeters to more than 4.0 millimeters. Despite being thick, the cancer has not penetrated the skin’s surface or touched adjacent skin.
#4	The melanoma has metastasized to one or more adjacent lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, or adjacent skin.
#5	The most developed stage is this one. It indicates that the melanoma has migrated to one or more internal organs, such as the brain or lungs; to lymph nodes that are not directly next to the melanoma; or to skin that is distant from the site of the melanoma’s first appearance.

How Do You Detect Early-Stage Melanoma Skin Cancer?

Early detection of melanoma skin cancer is important for successful treatment. Follow the rules:

Asymmetry – Check if moles have irregular shapes
Border – Look for uneven or blurred edges
Color – Note variations in color within a mole
Diameter – Be aware of changes in size
Evolving – Monitor any alterations in shape, size, or color over time

Regular skin self-exams and professional dermatological checks contribute to early detection, increasing the chances of successful intervention and recovery. Furthermore, there are new and innovative technologies and solutions that can improve the accuracy, speed, convenience, and accessibility of skin cancer and melanoma detection. Some of these are:

Artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) algorithms
Genomic testing
Smartphone apps and wearable devices
Non-invasive optical techniques

How to Treat Skin Cancer and Melanoma Effectively?

Treating skin cancer and melanoma depends on the type, stage, location, and size of the tumor, as well as your overall health and preferences. The standard treatment options for skin cancer and melanoma are:

Surgery: The most common and effective way to remove the tumor and some surrounding tissue. It can be done with a scalpel, a laser, or a special technique called Mohs surgery.
Chemotherapy: The use of drugs to kill or stop the growth of cancer cells. It can be given orally, intravenously, or topically.
Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to damage or destroy cancer cells. It can be given externally or internally.

These treatment options have different side effects and complications, such as infection, scarring, nausea, fatigue, etc. They may also not work for everyone, as some tumors may become resistant or recur after treatment.

That’s why there are new and promising therapies and strategies that can enhance the efficacy, safety, personalization, and affordability of skin cancer and melanoma treatment.

Nanomedicine and drug delivery systems that can deliver drugs to specific tumor sites and reduce toxicity. These systems use tiny particles or carriers that can transport drugs across biological barriers or release them in a controlled manner. They can also target specific molecules or receptors on the cancer cells or enhance their uptake by the cells.
Targeted therapy uses drugs or other substances to attack specific molecules or pathways that are involved in the growth and survival of skin cancer and melanoma cells. For example, about half of people with melanoma that has spread or cannot be removed with surgery have mutations in the BRAF gene, which result in abnormal proteins that stimulate cell growth. It can be given orally or IV.
Immunotherapy drugs or other substances to stimulate or restore the body’s immune system to recognize and destroy skin cancer and melanoma cells. One type of immunotherapy is immune checkpoint inhibitors, which block proteins on immune cells or cancer cells that prevent the immune system from attacking cancer cells. It can be given intravenously, subcutaneously, or intralesionally.
Gene therapy and CRISPR-Cas9 technology can modify or correct faulty genes that cause or contribute to skin cancer and melanoma. These technologies use vectors or tools to insert, delete, or edit genes in the cells or tissues. They can also repair DNA damage or activate or deactivate genes.
Personalized medicine and precision oncology can tailor treatments to individual patients based on their genetic profile, tumor characteristics, and response to therapy. These approaches use genomic testing or biomarkers to identify the best treatment option for each patient or monitor their progress.
Vitamin Infusion therapy delivers high doses of nutrients, such as vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, directly into your bloodstream. This can help boost your immune system, improve your energy levels, and prevent or treat various health conditions.

Some examples of these therapies and strategies are:

Talimogene laherparepvec (T-VEC): A genetically modified virus that infects and kills cancer cells while stimulating the immune system. It is injected directly into the tumor.
CRISPR-Cas9: Is a gene editing tool that can cut and paste DNA sequences into living cells. It can correct mutations, insert genes, or activate or deactivate genes in cancer cells or immune cells.
Nanoparticles: Tiny particles that can carry drugs, genes, or other substances to specific bodily targets. They can deliver chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, or gene therapy more precisely and effectively.
NeoVax: A personalized vaccine made from the patient’s tumor and immune cells. It stimulates the immune system to recognize and attack the cancer.

These therapies and strategies can effectively help you treat skin cancer and melanoma, but they are not cures. You should always discuss with your doctor or dermatologist the best treatment option for your case.

Conclusion

In the field of cancer research, the continuous advancements in melanoma early detection and therapy provide a ray of hope. The advances in novel treatment strategies and diagnostics point to a paradigm shift in favor of more focused and efficient methods. While we applaud these successes, we must not undervalue the significance of routine skin examinations, raising public awareness, and using sun protection techniques. Accepting these developments in melanoma treatment not only raises survival rates but also serves as a prime example of the amazing influence that scientific discoveries can have on our capacity to face and overcome extremely difficult medical obstacles. Prospects for the future are bright, motivating a shared will to remove the stigma associated with melanoma.

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the signs of skin cancer?

Skin cancer can appear as new growths or modifications to existing moles, displaying traits such as asymmetry, uneven borders, varying color, and changes in size or shape.

Can tattoos cause skin cancer?

Tattoos have not been conclusively connected to skin cancer, despite being uncommon. But it’s crucial to keep an eye on skin changes and protect tattooed areas from the sun.

Can you die from skin cancer?

Yes, if left untreated, skin cancer can be lethal. Sun protection and routine skin examinations are essential for prevention.

How to know about skin cancer?

Recognize warning signs like changes in moles using the ABCDE rule and consult a dermatologist for professional evaluation.

How do UV rays cause skin cancer?

UV rays damage skin DNA, leading to mutations that can trigger the development of skin cancer over time. Protection from sun exposure helps mitigate this risk.