Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in the skin cells known as melanocytes. In 2020, approximately 100,350 people in the country are expected to be diagnosed with this type of cancer. In this article, we will discuss the  diagnosis and treatment options for melanoma.

Diagnosis and treatment options for melanoma

Diagnosis
Melanoma can be diagnosed using the following tests and procedures:

Physical examination
In addition to checking your medical history, the doctor will also conduct a thorough examination of the skin to look for signs or symptoms of melanoma.

Biopsy
To determine and confirm whether any skin changes are cancerous, a small sample of the tissue is removed and sent for further analyses in a lab. This process is known as a biopsy. There are two types of biopsy:

• Punch biopsy
  This is performed using a circular blade that is pressed into the skin near a mole.
• Excisional biopsy
  In this procedure, a scalpel is used to cut the entire mole and a layer of surrounding healthy tissue.

Treatment options
Let us now take a look at treatment methods for this form of cancer. The treatment option advised by the doctor will depend on the size and stage of cancer, the patient’s overall health, and the personal preferences of the patient. Some of the treatment options are:

For small melanomas

• Surgery
  A very thin melanoma might be completely removed during a biopsy, with no further treatment necessary.
  For melanoma in the initial stage, some amount of normal skin and a layer of tissue under the skin will be removed along with cancer.

Cancer cells that have spread from the skin

• Surgery
  If cancer has spread to the surrounding lymph nodes, these would be removed by surgery. Other treatments might be advised before or after the surgical procedure.
• Immunotherapy
  Certain medicines are administered to boost the body’s immune system, which makes it fight against the cancer-causing cells better. This therapy is commonly advised after surgery to remove melanoma that has spread to the lymph nodes or other areas of the body. Also, when melanoma cannot be completely removed through surgery, this form of treatment is used.
• Targeted therapy
  Medicines that target the weaknesses of the cancer cells, causing them to die, are used in this form of treatment. Your melanoma cells may be tested to determine if this form of treatment will be effective for you. It is used to treat cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes and other parts of the body.
• Radiation therapy
  This treatment option for melanoma involves the use of high powered energy beams such as protons or X-rays to destroy the cancer cells. It can be directed at the lymph nodes to which cancer has spread or to treat melanomas that cannot be completely removed through surgery. It can also be used to relieve the symptoms of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body.
• Chemotherapy
  This treatment can be administered orally or intravenously to destroy cancer cells. When it is given in a vein of the leg or arm, it is known as isolated limb perfusion.

Being informed of the diagnosis and treatment options for melanoma could help you to be more aware of your condition if you have this form of cancer.