Melanoma Detection & Treatment
What is Melanoma?


What causes malignant melanoma?
Malignant melanoma forms when an uncontrolled, uninhibited proliferation of melanocytic stem cells that had undergone a genetic transformation, takes place. This can be triggered by ultraviolet radiation and other contributing factors. There are several subtypes of malignant melanoma.
– Superficially spreading melanoma is the most common form, found mostly on the skin of the trunk and the extremities. The lesions are usually flat, asymmetric, and irregularly pigmented. They tend to spread peripherally.
– Nodular melanoma constitutes approximately 10 – 15% of melanoma cases. Nodular melanoma appears as a fast – growing, brownish or black papule, most frequently found on the extremities.
– Lentigo maligna melanoma tends to develop for years on sun-exposed skin, most commonly on the face. Lentigo maligna melanomas appear as flat, brownish, irregularly pigmented, and spotted macules.
– Acral lentiginous melanoma, is a form of melanoma occurring on the palms of the hands, soles or the feel, or on the nails. This form of melanoma is more common in those with darker skin tones.
– Nail Melanomas present as linear, brownish or black pigmented lesions that can be seen through the nail plate.
What are treatment options?
Malignant melanoma is diagnosed based on the results of a skin biopsy, extracted with a margin of healthy tissue. Two most important prognostic measures are the thickness of the lesion, and presence of ulceration. The former is assessed using the Breslow scale – it measures the thickness of the tumor from its most superficial layer to the deepest point of involvement. The thicker the melanoma, the more likely it is to metastasize.
Confirmed malignant melanoma should be surgically excised with a margin of healthy tissue, which depends on the form of melanoma and Breslow thickness. In more widespread, extensive cases other options are available, including immunotherapy and various forms of genetic therapy like incorporating BRAF and/or MEK inhibitors. Long-term, regular follow-up observation for disease progression is necessary. Our team at PS Dermatology & Surgery will thoroughly analyze your particular case and come up with the most effective option possible.
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