Melanoma (skin cancer) – a malignant skin disease characterized by rapid development and damage to internal organs. Most often, the disease is diagnosed in young people and older people (after 65 years). Representatives of the European race with light skin are at the greatest risk. Heredity plays an important role in the development of cancer.
Skin cancer – causes, symptoms, diagnosis
Causes of the disease and risk factors:
- systematic exposure to ultraviolet rays (burning under the direct sun, visiting solariums);
- fair skin;
- multiple birthmarks;
- hormonal disorders;
- period of pregnancy and breastfeeding;
- reduced immunity;
- gender (women are diagnosed with the disease twice as often);
- electromagnetic radiation;
- the presence on the skin of more than 8 nevi with a diameter of 6 mm or more.
Severe sunburn can also trigger the development of cancer.
Symptoms of skin melanoma, types of the disease
There are several types of classifications. According to the clinical, the following types of melanoma are distinguished:
- superficial (observed in 70% of patients and characterized by a long period of benign growth);
- nodular (most often diagnosed in the elderly);
- acrolentiginous (develops on the palms, feet and under the nails);
- malignant lentigo (occurs in women over the age of 70 on the neck and face);
- achromatic (diagnosed in 5% of all cases of melanoma).
The classification of the disease is most often carried out according to the international TNM classification, which takes into account the depth of melanoma germination, damage to lymph nodes and the presence of metastases.
- The initial stage of melanoma (in situ). The tumor has increased in size, there is no change in color.
- The first stage. The thickness of the melanoma is up to 2 mm, there are no metastases.
- The second stage. The thickness of the neoplasm is up to 5 mm, there is no metastasis to the lymph nodes and internal organs.
- The third stage. The thickness of the formation is up to 5 mm, there is metastasis to the lymph nodes, there is no damage to internal organs.
- The fourth stage is characterized by metastases in lymph nodes and internal organs.
The symptoms of skin melanoma will be discussed later.
Clinical manifestations of the disease
Symptoms of melanoma of the skin can be early: asymmetry of the neoplasm, non-uniformity of color, blurred edges, change in density, discharge from the growth (not always) and late.
Late symptoms:
- constant headaches;
- weight loss for no apparent reason;
- gray skin color;
- enlargement of lymph nodes;
- presence of skin seals.
The symptoms of melanoma in children are similar in many respects: a change in the color of the formation, uneven edges, "growth" nevus, unpleasant sensations in the area of the changed birthmark, the appearance of cracks. Late manifestations include pronounced symptoms of body intoxication (weakness, headache, nausea, increased fatigue), the appearance of satellites, and an increase in lymph nodes.
Diagnostics
The diagnosis is made after a thorough examination of the patient, anamnesis taking into account the results of many examinations.
Mandatory studies when melanoma is suspected:
- general clinical tests of blood and urine;
- excisional biopsy;
- incisional biopsy;
- cytological analysis of regional lymph node puncture;
- biopsy of sentinel lymph nodes
- immunohistochemistry;
- computed tomography of the organs of the chest, abdomen, pelvis;
- MRI, PET to detect lesions of internal organs.
ABCDE diagnosis is extremely important (A – asymmetry, B – clarity of boundaries, C – color, D – diameter, E – changes).
Make an appointment with a doctor on our website https://dobrobut.com/ and get answers to your questions. If necessary, you can undergo a full body examination at the clinic.
Melanoma treatment
Treatment depends on the stage of the tumor and the presence of metastases.
Methods of treatment:
- surgical removal of melanoma (laser, radio wave method);
- chemotherapy;
- radiation therapy;
- immunotherapy;
- targeted therapy (successfully used in advanced stages of the disease).
Treatment of melanoma with metastasis – a combination of surgical excision of the tumor followed by chemotherapy and immunotherapy.
The prognosis after melanoma removal depends on the patient's age, gender, location of the tumor, presence (absence) of metastases. When melanoma is detected in the first stage, the prognosis is favorable in 95% of cases. In the third and fourth stages, the survival rate does not exceed 40%.
Prevention. Avoid prolonged exposure to the sun and avoid tanning beds. In summer, use sunglasses.
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