What is melanoma?

Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
Updated on September 12, 2024
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Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. It is commonly found in individuals with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes, who are often prone to this type of disease, particularly in tropical regions where the condition is more prevalent. The incidence rate increases after the age of fifty, and the rate of occurrence between men and women within the same group is quite similar. In a minority of cases, melanoma can also occur in parts outside of the skin, such as the anus, rectum, esophagus, or inside the eyes. When the tumor is confined within the epidermis, referred to as in situ carcinoma, it can be cured through surgery. If there is metastasis, treatment may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or local radiotherapy.

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Written by Liu Gang
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Is melanoma a malignant tumor?

Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor with a relatively high degree of malignancy and a high chance of metastasis, leading to a high mortality rate in the later stages. Once diagnosed, it is imperative to undergo surgical removal at a recognized hospital's dermatology department, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Melanomas usually develop from common melanocytic nevi, so if such nevi appear on the body, they should be treated correctly. If small, they can be removed with laser treatment; if slightly larger, surgical removal is recommended. If localized melanocytic nevi cause pain, itching, oozing, or bleeding, these could be precursors to malignant transformation and should be taken seriously.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue
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Can melanoma be cured if it recurs?

In cases of recurrence, surgical treatment is still necessary, and it is best to choose a dermatology hospital with a good reputation for consultation. Follow the doctor's advice for treatment. Patients should pay more attention in their daily lives, avoid exposure to strong sunlight, and must quit smoking and drinking, as these can aggravate the condition. It is essential to eat more light meals and fruits, which are beneficial to the body.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
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Is laser treatment or surgical removal better for melanoma?

Regarding whether laser treatment or surgical excision is better for melanoma, the answer is clear: surgical excision is better. Melanoma originates from melanocytes and is not limited to one layer of the skin. Therefore, for melanoma of the skin, the infiltration depth can sometimes be profound, reaching the dermis layer. Laser treatment sometimes only covers a superficial depth, which cannot achieve complete removal. Surgical excision can completely remove deeper infiltrative parts of the melanoma, and after the excision, complete tissues can be obtained for pathological examination, which helps in staging after the surgery and guides treatment post-surgery. Laser treatment does not offer these benefits. Therefore, current guidelines recommend surgical excision for the treatment of melanoma and do not recommend laser treatment.

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Is there a possibility of curing melanoma with lymphatic metastasis?

Melanoma is a type of skin tumor caused by the excessive growth of melanin cells. For melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes, surgical treatment is recommended, along with adjunctive radiotherapy and chemotherapy, which can effectively control the spread and metastasis of cancer cells. Traditional Chinese medicine can also be used in conjunction, which not only controls the growth of cancer cells but also mitigates the damage to the body from radiotherapy and chemotherapy. After treatment, patients should pay attention to their diet, exercise moderately, and maintain a good physical condition.

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Can a melanoma heal by itself if it ruptures?

Melanoma cannot heal itself once it has ruptured. Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor, and if melanoma occurs, it is crucial to cooperate actively with the doctor to perform excision surgery. After the surgical removal, pathological examination must be carried out, and treatment should be sought promptly to avoid delaying the condition. If there is bleeding, ulceration, pain, or a significant increase in the size of skin pigmented moles, it is highly suspect for malignant transformation, and one should promptly visit a dermatology department at a formal hospital for examination. If malignant transformation is possible, it is critical to perform surgery early and conduct a pathological examination. The symptoms of melanoma are related to the age of onset; in younger patients, it usually presents as itching, changes in the color of the lesions, and expanding borders, while older patients typically exhibit noticeable ulceration of the lesions.