Malignant Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

Recognizing the warning signs of malignant melanoma can save lives. The most common indicator is a change in the appearance of a mole or new, unusual skin growth. Use the "ABCDE" rule as a guide:

• A – Asymmetry
  One half of the mole doesn’t match the other half.
• B – Border
  The edges of the mole are blurred or irregular.
• C – Color
  The color is not uniform, with varying shades of brown, black, or other colors.
• D – Diameter
  The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E – Evolving
  The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

If you notice any of these signs, it’s essential to consult melanoma specialists for a thorough evaluation.

While anyone can develop melanoma, certain risk factors increase the likelihood, including:

• Excessive Sun Exposure
  UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds is a leading cause.
• Fair Skin
  People with light skin, freckles, or a tendency to burn easily are at higher risk.
• Family History
  A history of melanoma in immediate family members increases the risk.
• Previous Skin Cancers
  Individuals who have had other forms of skin cancer are at a higher risk of developing melanoma.
• Multiple Moles
  Having numerous or atypical moles increases the risk of melanoma.

By managing these risk factors and getting regular skin checks from experienced specialists, you can reduce the chances of developing melanoma.

Melanoma is staged based on its thickness and whether it has spread to other parts of the body. The stages include:

• Stage 0 : The cancer is confined to the outermost layer of skin and hasn’t spread.
• Stage I-II: The melanoma is still localized to the skin but has grown deeper into the layers.
• Stage III: The cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
• Stage IV: The melanoma has metastasized to distant organs or other parts of the body.

Early-stage melanoma can often be treated with surgery alone, while later stages may require a combination of treatments. The melanoma surgery cost in India varies depending on the stage and complexity of the surgery.

Early melanomas can be differentiated from the benign nevus by the popular mnemonic ABCDE

• Asymmetrical lesion
• Border is usually irregular
• Colour is variable
• Diameter is >6mm
• Enlarging lesion

Diagnosis

• Medical history and physical examination
• Excisional biopsy or Incisional biopsy
• Sentinel lymph node biopsy (for evaluation of draining lymph nodes, required for lesions >1mm deep) and Cross sectional imaging

The treatment for malignant melanoma depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Common options include:

• Surgery
  A malignant melanoma surgery in Indiatypically involves removing the tumor along with some surrounding healthy tissue.
• Immunotherapy
  For advanced stages, immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer.
• Targeted Therapy
  This treatment is used when the cancer has specific genetic mutations. It attacks cancer cells without affecting healthy cells.
• Radiation Therapy
  Used to target melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Chemotherapy
  Though not as commonly used for melanoma, chemotherapy can be employed in certain cases of advanced disease.

At Kokilaben Dhirubhai Ambani Hospital, we offer the best treatment for malignant melanoma, leveraging the latest medical advancements to ensure a tailored approach for each patient. With a team of the best melanoma treatment doctors in Mumbai, our focus is on delivering comprehensive care that balances clinical excellence with compassion.

If you're considering treatment for malignant melanoma, it’s important to discuss all available options with your medical team. We are one of the best hospitals for skin cancer treatment and ensure that you receive expert guidance every step of the way, from diagnosis to recovery.

At Kokilaben hospital we offer standard of care treatment for patients with melanoma with molecular testing (BRAF analysis), standard surgical and medical care.

In patients with metastatic disease, survival depends upon the extent of distant metastasis, feasibility for resection and kind of treatment administered.

Melanoma patients have a higher risk of having melanoma in future. You must take care in the sun. The area where the melanoma was should be completely protected from sun.

Protect your skin

• Wear a brimmed hat to protect your face and neck
• Wear sun glasses to protect your eyes
• Use a high factor sun cream when you are in the sun
• Wear close weave cotton clothing in the sun
• Wear long sleeves and long trousers
• Stay out of the sun altogether between 11am and 3pm
• NEVER use a sun bed