Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes, which are the melanin-producing cells. Often, melanocytes end up forming moles and the melanoma starts from there. However, not all moles always house melanoma. There are several types of researchers who propose that the cause of melanoma is excessive exposure to UV rays from both natural sources such as the sun, and artificial sources such as tanning beds.

However, UV rays are not the sole reason for melanoma, environmental and genetic factors also play a role. Since it is on the surface of the skin, it is easier to detect than other forms of cancer. If melanoma is neglected for a long time, it can spread to other organs and distant parts of the body and become really difficult to treat later. If found in the early stages, melanoma is curable.

Following are some of the treatments for melanoma.

• Surgery

  Surgery is mainly used to treat stage I and II melanoma. The area of the skin affected with melanoma is surgically removed along with a broader area of the normal looking skin surrounding that area. Surgery is usually done under local anesthesia, wherein the patient will be semi-conscious but will have no sensation in the operating area. General anesthesia is also used in some cases.
  In most cases post surgery, the doctor performs a sentinel lymph node biopsy to check where the cancer has spread. If the results of the biopsy show that it has not spread, then no further treatment is required. If the results suggest the contrary, further surgery to remove the nodes called the completion lymphadenectomy or lymph node dissection may be required.

• Immunotherapy

  This therapy includes the usage of medication to strengthen the immune system and help it find and kill the melanoma cancer cells. It is used on patients with stage IV melanoma. While some medications are used alone, some others are used in combination. Some of the medicines are as follows.

  Nivolumab

  This is directly injected into the veins every two weeks. It is used for as long as the patient can bear it. It is only used in adults.

  Ipilimumab

  This is also injected directly into the veins but is given every three weeks. Only four doses are given.

  Pembrolizumab

  This is also given with the help of an injection at a duration of three weeks.

• Targeted therapy

  In most cases, cancer is caused by gene mutations. Targeted therapy uses medicines such as trametinib, vemurafenib and dabrafenib to stop gene mutations and the growth of the cancer cells.

• Radiotherapy

  It is used after surgery to relieve symptoms or to remove the lymph nodes. The frequency of radiotherapy depends upon the stage of the melanoma and also on the patient. Sore skin, hair loss, and fatigue are some common side effects of radiotherapy. These side effects can also be treated with prescription medicines.

Melanoma can be cured completely if action is taken during the early stages. The sooner the treatment starts, the better for the patient. Therefore, it is advised to check with a doctor as soon as symptoms become visible.

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