27
May
Hope after a melanoma diagnosis: Understanding treatment options
Sunlight is an immediate mood-booster. It supports healthy bones and immunity as a primary source of vitamin D (due to how the sun’s rays interact with the skin to synthesize this nutrient). However, Beyond Skin Dermatology also sees the dark side of sun exposure every day. When you do not wear sunscreen or adequate sun protection, UV radiation from the sun damages your skin. Cancers develop when these damaged skin cells grow abnormally. While Basal Cell Carcinoma and Squamous Cell Carcinoma are the most common skin cancers, melanoma is the deadliest. It requires an accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment.
What is melanoma?
This skin cancer accounts for just 2% cases, but is responsible for the majority of skin cancer-related deaths. Excessive UV exposure from tanning beds and sunlight accounts for 99% of non-melanoma skin cancers and 95% of melanomas. While melanoma most commonly develops on sun-exposed areas of the body, it can’t be overstated that you may still develop melanoma in areas of the body that never see the sun. You may have an environmental or genetic risk factor for developing DNA damage that leads to abnormal cell growth.
Are there different types of melanoma?
Yes! The primary types include:
- Superficial spreading
- Lentigo maligna
- Acral lentiginous
- Nodular
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type and is typically found on the trunk, legs, and back. While similar to superficial spreading melanoma, lentigo maligna is commonly detected in older adults and on the upper body, including the arms, face, and ears. Both acral lentiginous and nodular melanoma are invasive and can be quite aggressive. The former type often appears as dark spots on the feet, palms, or under the nails. This rare melanoma sometimes occurs among darker-skinned people, and even claimed the life of music legend Bob Marley. The latter nodular type typically appears as a black bump on the trunk, legs, arms, and scalp.
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New Patients: (720) 213-4679 | Existing Patients: (720) 443-0579
How do you diagnose it?
Diagnosis starts with keeping professional skin checks performed by our board-certified dermatologist, Dr. Sang Kim. When away from the office, it’s important to regularly conduct self-checks. Red flags include moles or spots that appear to have:
- Asymmetrical features
- Borders that are uneven
- Colors of many shades of red, brown, black, white, or blue
- Diameters greater than a pencil eraser
- Evolved with time (in size, shape, color, or how they feel)
Skin samples with suspicious-looking areas or spots will be gently removed and analyzed for testing. This biopsy will be used to determine if you have cancer. It can also identify the type of cancer. Further tests can be ordered to determine the extent or stage of cancer. This information will also help to guide an effective treatment plan.
How do you treat melanoma?
Treatment varies based on your diagnosis. For instance, early-stage or thin melanomas may be removed during the biopsy. No other steps may be necessary in this case. Otherwise, the cancer may be surgically removed along with a bordering area of healthy tissue around and under the skin. Today’s cutting techniques remove minimal healthy tissue, without compromising the precision and effectiveness of the excision procedure. MMS is the “gold standard” treatment for BCCs and SCCs, and it is also appropriate for the precise treatment of some melanomas (such as those in challenging, visible, or sensitive areas of the face).
For more advanced cases, chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be recommended to kill cancer cells. Biological therapies are designed to boost your immune system so your body can better fight cancer. Medications used in targeted therapies target specific cancer cells, such as those with genetic mutations that may make them more vulnerable to drugs. Some patients may also qualify for clinical trials and emerging therapies.
Beyond Skin Dermatology emphasizes that most skin cancers are treatable. We encourage you to contact us right away if you are concerned about any changes in your skin or are due for a professional screening. Call (720) 213-4679 to schedule your appointment at our Aurora, CO office.
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Dr. Sang Kim, MD, FAAD, DipABLM, is a board-certified dermatologist and the founder of Beyond Skin Dermatology. With over a decade of medical experience, Dr. Kim graduated from the Uniformed Services University and served as a Naval Flight Surgeon before completing his dermatology residency at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center, where he was Chief Resident. He is a diplomate of the American Board of Lifestyle Medicine and a member of the American Academy of Dermatology. Dr. Kim is committed to helping patients achieve healthy skin through expert care and lifestyle optimization.