Melanoma skin cancer is a cancer that begins in a specific type of skin cell known as melanocytes. These skin cells are responsible for producing melanin, which gives the skin its color. The American Cancer Society explains that melanoma tumors are commonly black or brown which may make it easier for people to spot them. Physicians can usually cure melanoma if caught early. However, many dangers still exist with melanoma skin cancer.
Metastasis
There is a chance that melanoma will metastasize, or spread to other organs. According to the National Institutes of Health, larger tumors may spread past the skin into tissues, other organs or the lymph nodes, making treatment more complicated and increasing the likelihood that the tumors will come back. Once the melanoma has spread beyond the skin into the lymph nodes, it may not be curable. Treatment for melanoma at this stage often requires surgery to remove the affected lymph nodes, chemotherapy to destroy cancer cells, radiation therapy to help relieve symptoms of melanoma and biological therapies that boost the patient’s immune system.
Deformity
The first stage of melanoma treatment commonly involves surgery to remove the tumor or affected area. While the area showing on the surface of the skin may be small, once a surgeon gets underneath the surface the tumor may be larger than originally thought. This can leave patients with large scars and potentially disfiguring wounds. The American Society of Plastic Surgeons says that many patients opt to have a plastic surgeon perform the tumor removal so that a reconstructive skin graft or skin resection can take place at the same time and because this is not a cosmetic procedure most insurance companies cover the procedure. This can help ease a patient’s anxiety regarding their physical appearance, allowing them to focus on their health.
Death
The American Cancer Society estimates that there were 8,650 deaths from melanoma in 2009. The American Cancer Society also reports that melanoma accounts for less than five percent of all skin cancers yet it causes the most skin cancer deaths. A patient’s prognosis depends largely upon how far the melanoma cancer had progressed at diagnosis. The earlier the patient receives a diagnosis the greater the chance for recovery. Regular visits to a dermatologist can help physicians spot any unusual growths or patches on the skin and help to ensure an early diagnosis.
