Malignant Melanoma

Overview

Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes. This is most dangerous type of skin cancer. It can occur anywhere on the body but particularly in parts exposed to the sun.

Signs and Symptoms

Changes in the colour of mole to black, brown, red, white or blue, Mole that increase in size, Moles with irregular shapes or borders, Itchy mole, Mole that bleeds, Thickening of the mole, A new unusual-looking growth on the skin

Common Causes

Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds, Family history of melanoma

Risk Factors

Fair skin especially skin that burns easily but does not tan, Having unusual moles or many moles, Large number of freckles, Overexposure to ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds, Living closer to the equator or in higher altitudes, History of severe sunburn, History of radiotherapy treatment, History of skin cancer, Family history of melanoma, Weakened immune system due to conditions such as organ transplants or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection

Investigation Techniques

Medical history, Skin examination, Biopsy procedures such as punch biopsy, excisional biopsy or incisional biopsy, Sentinel lymph node biopsy to determine if melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, Blood tests, Computerised tomography (CT) scan, Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan, Positron emission tomography (PET) scan

Treatment and Prevention

Surgery to remove melanoma, Surgery to remove affected lymph nodes, Radiation therapy, Chemotherapy, Targeted therapy, Immunotherapy, Melanoma can be prevented by wearing sunscreen, avoid direct sunlight during the middle of the day, wear protective clothing and avoid tanning beds