Is melanoma cancer?

Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
Updated on September 25, 2024
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Melanoma is generally a malignant tumor caused by melanin in the skin and other organs, which means melanoma is also known as cancer, and it is a very bad tumor. If there are hair follicles in this melanoma, then it is very likely that cancerous changes will occur. Patients should pay attention as the malignancy of the disease is extremely high, and they should seek timely medical examinations and treatment.

Other Voices

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Written by Huang Ling Juan
Dermatology
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How to distinguish whether melanoma is benign or cancerous

Melanomas are always malignant; there are no benign melanomas. Benign lesions are called pigmented nevi, which are usually classified into three types: intradermal nevi, junctional nevi, and compound nevi. When a pigmented nevus becomes malignant, it is then referred to as melanoma. Therefore, in clinical practice, when we mention melanoma, we are referring to malignant melanoma. Malignant melanoma is staged based on the degree of invasion and whether it has metastasized. Treatment methods vary depending on the stage, and there are differences in treatment approaches. Therefore, if a pigmented nevus visibly enlarges over a short period, and shows symptoms such as ulceration, bleeding, or pain, it is necessary to promptly visit a reputable hospital's dermatology department for surgical removal, followed by a pathological examination.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
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What are some good methods for treating widespread metastasis of melanoma?

Melanoma greatly torments patients, affecting their physical and mental health, and also unnecessarily harming their external appearance. However, treatment of this disease must be approached with caution. Surgical excision is recommended and is the first choice for the surgical treatment of melanoma. If diagnosed, surgery should be carried out promptly. The extent of excision depends on the type and location of the tumor. After excision, the resulting tissue defect is generally repaired using simple methods initially, followed by reconstructive surgery after confirming no recurrence.

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Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
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Melanoma CT manifestations

The CT manifestations of melanoma vary depending on the location of the tumor. Generally, melanomas that occur on the skin can appear on CT scans as mass-like lesions, and the scans can show whether there are any urgent conditions involving the surrounding nerves, blood vessels, and tissues. Some patients may only show CT imaging changes such as localized thickening of the skin. In melanomas that occur inside the skull or in the vulva, the CT mainly shows localized mass-like lesions. These lesions are typically low-density foci with poor blood supply around them, and they generally have an irregular shape.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
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How long will melanoma become malignant?

Melanoma is a malignant tumor caused by melanocytes in the skin and human organs. Cutaneous melanoma generally manifests as pigmented lesions that often change over many years or in a short period of time. Because of this, the risk period for melanoma varies in length, and it is uncertain how long it will take for the disease to develop. Melanoma is a malignant tumor with poor survival rates, and it is prone to aggressive metastasis. If metastasis occurs, the lifespan of the patient will be significantly reduced.

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Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
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Is amputation useful for melanoma?

Melanoma is a very terrifying disease. Once melanoma develops on the limbs, there is a tendency to favor as extensive a surgery as possible. It seems that the larger the excision, the cleaner it becomes, which helps to prevent future recurrence and metastasis. Even undergoing amputation surgery doesn’t necessarily eliminate the risk of metastasis and recurrence. Sometimes, if the margins of the excision are not beyond the range, the risk still exists. Therefore, the extent of the excision should be determined based on the patient’s condition.