Melanoma

Melanoma occurs when the skin’s pigment-producing cells called melanocytes become malignant. Clusters of melanocytes can also produce non-cancerous growths called moles. When it first develops, melanoma may appear as a new mole, but it quickly distinguishes itself from a normal mole in shape, color and texture. One of best ways to catch melanoma in its early stage is to watch for moles that look abnormal.

Melanoma is....

• Is one of the most common cancers
• Can develop on any skin surface
• Causes greatest number of skin cancer–related deaths worldwide
• Occurs most frequently in fair-skinned people

Melanoma can often be detected by using the ABCDE warning signs of early melanoma for a changing mole. These rules are at their greatest diagnostic accuracy when used in combination:

• Asymmetry: half the lesion does not match the other
• Border irregularity: edges are ragged, notched, or blurred
• Color variegation: pigmentation is not uniform and may display shades of tan, brown, or black, white, reddish, or blue discoloration
• Diameter: diameter greater than 6 mm is characteristic, although some melanomas may have smaller diameters
• Evolving: changes in lesion over time are characteristic, critical for nodular or amelanotic (nonpigmented) melanoma

Am I At Risk?

Risk factors for melanoma involve certain physical characteristics: blue/green eyes, blond or red hair, and a light complexion. Other factors that increase a person’s risk for developing melanoma are sun sensitivity, occurrence of blistering sunburn(s) in childhood and adolescence, weakened immune system, personal and family history of melanoma or skin cancer, and regular exposure to UV radiation.

What Are the Treatment Options?

The process of selecting a melanoma treatment will be decided upon after biopsy and during staging.

For melanoma that is diagnosed as stages I, II, or III, the dermatologic surgeon will remove the melanoma using excision or Mohs (micrographic surgery), taking care to remove the tumor along with some healthy tissue around it. More healthy tissue will be removed in stage II melanoma than stage I, and so on.

To treat stage IV melanoma, lymph nodes may need to be removed, and chemotherapy or radiation therapy administered in order to kill the cancer cells.

We encourage you to contact us if you would like to learn more about melanoma, options for treatment, or to set up a consultation with Dr. Mickalak. Our office is located in Issaquah, WA, just outside of Seattle. Please dial 425-391-2500.