In the past few years, it has become the 5th cancer in Switzerland with the highest number of new cases. It begins in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the melanin that gives skin its color. Melanoma can develop from an existing mole or appear on apparently normal skin.
Melanoma symptoms
Melanoma symptoms are characterized by a change in the skin, either in an existing mole (change in shape, size, color...) or the appearance of a dark spot. Unlike carcinoma, which is more likely to appear on the areas most exposed to the sun, melanoma can appear all over the body, notably on the sole of the foot, the palm of the hand or even in the back of the eye. In rare cases, it can occur in internal areas of the body (mouth, nose, etc.).
Causes of melanoma
Melanoma occurs when melanocytes undergo mutations in their DNA. These mutations can be triggered by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial tanning devices. However, not all melanomas are caused by sun exposure, suggesting that environmental and genetic factors also play a role in the development of this form of cancer.
Risk factors of Melanoma
Several factors can increase the risk of developing melanoma, including :
- Excessive unprotected exposure to UV rays
- Personal or family history of melanoma
- Numerous moles
- Phototype 1 (very pale skin, red hair)
Treating Melanoma
Melanoma treatment depends on its stage and severity. The most common include:
- Surgery: This is the first-line treatment for early-stage melanoma. It consists of removing the tumor with a margin of surrounding healthy tissue. The thickness of the tumor (Breslow index) is used to determine the procedure:
- < 0.8mm: the tumor is removed and regular follow-up is implemented
- > 0.8mm: the tumor is removed and a sentinel lymph node search is performed to check whether lymph nodes have been affected. In the case of metastases, surgery can be combined with chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
- Chemotherapy: Use of drugs to kill cancer cells, often used when the cancer has spread.
- Immunotherapy: Stimulates the body's immune system to attack cancer cells.
The management of melanoma requires a multidisciplinary approach, often combining several of these treatments depending on the stage and characteristics of the tumor.
Evolutions and possible complications
Melanoma is an aggressive skin cancer that can metastasize. Early detection and treatment are therefore essential. Because melanoma is often detected too late, it is responsible for 90% of fatal cases among the various types of skin cancer.
Preventing Melanoma
As melanoma can develop even on unexposed or even internal areas, certain measures can considerably reduce the risk. The most effective way to prevent melanoma is through physical protection, by avoiding exposure to the sun between 11am and 3pm, and by wearing covering clothing. Sunscreen has its merits, but it's an imperfect solution that offers only partial protection against melanoma. In the event of direct exposure, a sun cream with a minimum SPF of 30 can be applied and renewed frequently.
Self-examination using the ABCDE method can be performed regularly to monitor moles: A: Asymmetry. B: Edges (irregular). C: Color (inhomogeneous). D: Diameter (>6mm). E: Evolution
When should you contact the Doctor?
Any change in the color, shape or size of a mole, or the appearance of a spot or new skin lesion, warrants a medical consultation. Prompt consultation can lead to early detection and more effective treatment of melanoma.
Care at Hôpital de La Tour
As a preventive measure, photo mapping can be carried out to monitor the evolution of moles. If melanoma is suspected, the dermatologist performs a meticulous clinical examination of the area concerned. If necessary, a biopsy is performed to take a tissue sample for laboratory analysis. Further treatment will depend on the initial results, and may involve additional imaging examinations (ultrasound, CT scan, MRI) to determine the depth of the tumour, or to search for any metastatic spread (sentinel lymph node search). Hôpital de La Tour boasts a multidisciplinary team specializing in the treatment of skin cancers.
FAQ on Melanoma
What are the symptoms of melanoma, and what signs should I look out for in a mole?
Symptoms include the appearance of new lesions and pigmented or abnormal growths on the skin. Sores that don't heal, painful or itchy areas. Any change in the color, shape, size or texture of an existing mole should prompt you to consult a physician.
What causes melanoma?
The main causes of melanoma are mutations in the DNA of melanocytes, often triggered by exposure to UV rays. Other genetic and environmental factors may also play a role.
Does melanoma only affect fair-skinned people?
No, although people with fair skin, hair and eyes are more at risk, melanoma can develop in people of all phototypes. Dark-skinned people are even more likely to develop melanoma in areas with little exposure to the sun.
What are the treatment options for melanoma?
Surgery is the main treatment for early-stage melanoma. For more advanced stages, chemotherapy or immunotherapy may be used, depending on the case.