In short, several effective therapies exist to manage this condition, ranging from surgical excision to immunotherapy.
- Surgical removal options. Excising the cancerous tissue remains the primary method for treating early-stage melanomas effectively.
- Mohs micrographic surgery. This precise technique spares healthy tissue while ensuring the complete removal of cancer cells.
- Advanced radiation therapy. High-energy beams can target and destroy cancer cells when surgery cannot remove them entirely.
Finding the right treatment for melanoma skin cancer is a critical step immediately following a diagnosis. Dermatologists offer various procedures to remove or destroy these cancer cells effectively.
The specific plan depends on the stage of the cancer and the overall health of the patient. Understanding these medical interventions allows patients to make informed decisions about their care.
Surgical Excision of the Tumor
Surgical excision serves as the standard treatment for melanoma in its early stages. During this procedure, a dermatologist uses a scalpel to remove the tumor. They also remove a “safety margin” of surrounding normal skin to ensure no cancer cells remain.
The size of the margin depends on the thickness of the tumor. Thinner melanomas require smaller margins, while thicker tumors require wider removal. This method is highly effective for preventing the local recurrence of the disease.
Once the tissue is removed, the wound is closed with stitches. The removed tissue is then sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis. This confirms whether the margins are clear of cancer cells.
Mohs Micrographic Surgery
Mohs micrographic surgery is a precise technique used for certain types of skin cancer. While it is the gold standard treatment for basal cell skin cancer, it is also increasingly used for melanoma. This is especially true for melanoma in situ, which affects only the top layer of skin.
During Mohs surgery, the physician removes the visible tumor and a very thin layer of tissue. They examine this tissue under a microscope while the patient waits. If cancer cells are seen, another layer is removed only from the precise area where cancer remains.
This process repeats until no cancer cells are visible. This technique spares the maximum amount of healthy tissue.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy
If the melanoma is deep, there is a risk it has spread to the lymph nodes. A dermatologist may recommend a sentinel lymph node biopsy during the excision surgery. This procedure identifies the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to travel.
A radioactive substance or blue dye is injected near the melanoma. The surgeon locates the node that absorbs the dye and removes it for testing. If this node is free of cancer, it is unlikely the disease has spread to other lymph nodes.
This diagnostic step helps determine the stage of the cancer. It guides decisions regarding additional treatment for melanoma. It provides crucial information for long-term management.
Radiation Therapy Options
Radiation therapy uses high-powered energy beams, such as X-rays, to kill cancer cells. It is not always the first line of treatment for melanoma skin cancer. However, it plays a role when surgery cannot completely remove the melanoma.
It may also be used if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Dermatologists may recommend radiation to relieve symptoms caused by the spread of melanoma to other areas. This is often referred to as palliative therapy.
The treatment regimen varies based on the specific needs of the patient. Modern radiation techniques are designed to target cancer cells while minimizing damage to healthy tissue.
Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy
Advanced melanoma may require treatments that work throughout the entire body. Immunotherapy is a drug treatment that helps the immune system fight cancer. It works by interfering with the process that cancer cells use to hide from the immune system.
Targeted therapy drugs focus on specific weaknesses present within cancer cells. For example, some melanomas have a mutation in the BRAF gene. Drugs that target this mutation can slow or stop the growth of the cancer.
According to research from the American Cancer Society, targeted therapies have significantly improved outcomes for patients with metastatic melanoma. These systemic treatments are often coordinated between a dermatologist and a medical oncologist.
Follow-Up Care and Surveillance
Recovery does not end when the initial treatment for melanoma skin cancer concludes. Regular follow-up appointments are essential for monitoring recovery. Patients must undergo routine skin exams to check for any signs of recurrence.
These exams also screen for new skin cancers. Patients who have had melanoma are at a higher risk of developing another skin cancer. This includes an increased risk necessitating treatment for basal cell skin cancer or squamous cell carcinoma.
Self-examinations at home complement professional medical care. Patients should look for new moles or changes in existing moles. Early detection of recurrence leads to better health outcomes.
Why Early Detection Matters
The success of any treatment for melanoma skin cancer relies heavily on how early the cancer is found. The five-year survival rate for melanoma detected before it spreads to the lymph nodes is 99 percent. This statistic emphasizes the importance of regular dermatological screenings.
Delaying diagnosis allows the cancer to grow deeper into the skin. Thicker tumors have a higher chance of spreading to other parts of the body. Once metastasis occurs, treatment becomes more complex and aggressive.
Routine visits to a dermatologist save lives. They allow for the identification of suspicious lesions before they become life-threatening. Proactive care is the best defense against skin cancer.
Treatment for Melanoma Skin Cancer in Miami, FL
Receiving a diagnosis of skin cancer requires immediate and expert attention. The Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center provides comprehensive care for patients facing this condition. Our team utilizes the latest surgical techniques and medical therapies to ensure the best possible outcomes.
We specialize in Mohs surgery and surgical excision for various skin malignancies. Whether you require treatment for basal cell skin cancer or melanoma, our facility offers state-of-the-art care. We prioritize patient comfort and long-term health in every procedure.
Do not wait to address suspicious changes in your skin. Contact the Dermatology and Skin Cancer Center today (305) 461-2000 or use our online appointment request form to schedule a consultation. Taking action now is the most effective way to protect your health.
