Malignant Melanoma Removal
Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in the skin and is linked to genetics and sun exposure. It is completely curable when detected early, but can be fatal if allowed to progress and spread. Melanoma is a cancer of the pigment-producing cells in the skin, known as melanocytes.
Melanoma is one of the fastest spreading cancers in the United States, and early detection is key to complete recovery. A quick look from a dermatologist's trained eye can confirm whether or not a lesion is suspicious for melanoma. The first step is to perform a biopsy by numbing the growth area and removing a portion or the entire lesion for examination under the microscope.
If a melanoma is detected, treatment depends on how deep in the skin the melanoma is. Dr. Badawy will surgically remove the melanoma and about a 1.5 cm radius of normal-appearing skin around the growth. Removal of the normal skin is called taking margins, and is done to be sure none of the melanoma is left behind.
Dr. Badawy will then repair the excision, or close it in a way to minimize scarring.
Early melanoma limited to the outermost layer of the skin is known as melanoma in situ (in place), and simple surgical removal produces virtually a 100% cure rate.
If left untreated, the melanoma grows deeper in the skin. The deeper it goes, the more likely it is to reach a blood vessel or lymphatic channel. If it enters these vessels, it can spread away from the skin, producing a life-threatening situation.
When a biopsy is performed and melanoma is detected, the depth of invasion into the skin on a 1-5 scale will be measured and reported by a dermatopathologist. The report will determine any further treatment.
