Melanoma Introduction (cont.)
How is melanoma diagnosed?
Most doctors diagnose melanoma by examining the spot causing concern and
doing a biopsy. A skin biopsy refers to removing all or part of the skin spot
under local anesthesia and sending the specimen to a pathologist for analysis.
The biopsy report may show any of the following:
- a totally benign condition requiring no further treatment, such as a regular
mole;
- an atypical mole which, depending on the judgment of the doctor and the
pathologist, may need a conservative removal (taking off a little bit of normal
skin all around just to make sure that the spot is completely out); or
- a melanoma requiring surgery.
Some doctors are skilled in a clinical technique called epiluminescence
microscopy (also called dermatoscopy). They cover a suspicious spot with oil and examine it with a brightly lit magnifying instrument. The gold standard
for a solid diagnosis, however, remains a skin biopsy.
How do doctors determine the prognosis (outlook) of a melanoma?
The most useful criterion for determining prognosis is tumor thickness. Thin
melanomas, those measuring less than 1 millimeter, have
excellent cure rates. The thicker the melanoma, the less optimistic the
prognosis. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential.
What is the treatment for melanoma?
In general, melanoma is treated by surgery alone. Doctors have learned that
surgery does not need to be as extensive as was thought years ago. When treating
many early melanomas, for instance, surgeons only remove 1 centimeter (less
than ½ inch) of the normal tissue around the melanoma. Deeper and more
advanced cancers may need more extensive surgery.
Depending on various considerations (tumor thickness, body location, age,
etc.), the removal of nearby lymph glands may be recommended. For advanced
disease, such as when the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body,
treatments like immunotherapy are sometimes recommended.
Next: What methods are available to help prevent melanoma? »
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