Melanoma is a type of cancer that arises from cells known as melanocytes. Melanocytes secrete melanin, which is a pigment that protects skin from the sun and is responsible for tanning. Melanoma typically results from the melanocytes becoming damaged as a result of excessive sun exposure, damaging the cells. Melanoma can be treated in a number of different ways.
Staging
In many cases the treatment of melanoma depends on the location and stage of the cancerous tissue, explains the American Cancer Society. There are four different stages of melanoma, based on how deeply into the skin the cancer has spread. Melanoma that is still limited to the outer layer of the skin is known as stage I melanoma. When the cancerous tissue has spread all the way through the skin and into other organs or distant lymph nodes, it is classified as stage IV.
Surgery
Surgery is one of the most commonly used treatments for melanoma, regardless of the stage. There are many different types of surgical treatment, depending on the severity of the melanoma. Local excision involves a simple removal of the cancerous tissue and some of the surrounding normal tissue, according to the National Cancer Institute. With a lymphadenectomy, some of the surrounding lymph nodes are removed to see if they contain melanoma cells, a sign of advanced spread of the cancer. With a sentinel node biopsy, a dye is injected near the tumor to see which lymph nodes are connected to the cancerous area. The lymph nodes that receive the dye are then removed and examined to see if the cancer has spread throughout the lymphatic system. Surgery is particularly effective if the cancer is caught early.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy can also be used to treat melanoma. In chemotherapy, drugs injected into the bloodstream kill cancerous cells. Patients who have melanoma in one limb can receive a type of treatment known as hyperthermic isolated limb perfusion, in which blood flow into and out of the affected limb is stopped using a tourniquet. It is then infused with a warm solution of chemotherapy drugs, which remain in the arm as a result of the lack of blood flow, allowing for very high doses of chemotherapy agents.
Radiation
Radiation can also be used to treat melanoma. External radiation treatments use high energy X-ray beams to kill off cancerous cells. The radiation is aimed at the cancerous tissue, where it damages structures within the tumor cells, killing them. Internal radiation treatment uses "a radioactive substance sealed in needles, seeds, wires, or catheters that are placed directly into or near the cancer," according to the National Cancer Institute.
Biologic
The immune system is able to recognize and kill cancerous cells. Biologic therapies use synthetic chemicals and compounds which boost the immune system's anticancer activity, the National Cancer Institute explains.
Followup
Followup is critical for the treatment of melanoma, the American Academy of Dermatology explains. Repeated followup visits are needed to ensure that the treatment was successful and there has been no recurrence of the melanoma. Patients who had high grade or extensive melanomas should be especially vigilant about attending followup appointments as these types of melanoma can be difficult to treat.
