Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells. It can be treated effectively if it is detected early, but advanced melanoma can spread to the lymph nodes and internal organs if not treated. In addition, staging of cancer may include the following descriptions:
Stage I and stage II: Melanoma is confined to the site where the cancer occurred and has not spread to the lymph nodes or internal organs.
Stage III: Melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes.
Stage IV: Melanoma has spread to distant organs (metastasis).
Moles that appear on a person’s body have the potential to develop into melanoma. Regular monitoring of the moles is an important factor in prevention. For fair-skinned women, melanoma usually appears most frequently on the lower legs or arms. For fair-skinned men, melanoma appears more frequently on the torso or on the head and neck. In individuals with darker skin, melanoma more commonly appears on the palms, the soles of the feet, and the skin under the nails.
Treatment for melanoma is based on the location and stage of the tumor, and unique factors specific to each individual patient. At Texas Dermatology, a dedicated treatment team will work together to develop your course of treatment. A treatment plan may include:
For more information on how the doctors at Texas Dermatology can treat your melanoma, please call or stop by the offices today.