Melanoma
Overview
Melanoma is a less common but potentially serious type of skin cancer, in which there is uncontrolled growth of melanocytes (the cells that produce melanin – the pigment or color that protects us from the harmful effects of sunlight). These cells (melanocytes) are found in equal numbers in black and white skin, but melanocytes in black skin produce much more melanin (color). Therefore, people with dark brown or black skin are much less likely to be damaged by UV radiation or sunlight, than those with white skin.
Moles and freckles are harmless clusters of melanocytes.
Frequent and intense exposure to sun can sometimes cause melanocytes to multiply dangerously and this can eventually lead to melanoma. Individuals with white skin, and those with a lot of moles or freckles, are more at risk. Melanoma sometimes runs in families and it can have a genetic component.
Most of us will have a few moles – a flat or raised colored spot on the skin – which are usually harmless. However, if you have noticed a change in the appearance of a mole, or a new one, it could be the first symptom of melanoma. Areas affected most commonly are parts of your body that have been exposed to the sun, such as your back, legs, arms, or face. Nevertheless, melanoma can occur in any part of your body, including the mucosa or eyes.
If you find a mole that is changing in shape, size, or color, it is always a good idea to have it checked out by a dermatologist. Signs to look out for include asymmetry, an irregular or ‘fuzzy’ border, changes to color or any growth in diameter. Any one of these symptoms can point to melanoma.
If you have pale skin that burns easily or have lived in hot sunny countries, you are also more at risk – so it is always a good idea to carry out regular checks on your skin.
Most cases of melanoma are relatively simple to treat, but it is important to diagnose the disease quickly, to prevent it spreading and becoming more serious.
Treatment
The pathology report from the biopsy will guide further treatment plans. Here at the GMI we follow national and international protocols and guidelines for the management of a new diagnosis of melanoma.
Depending on the characteristics, depth and overall clinical staging of the melanoma, further management may include further skin surgery to clear the affected margins, lymph node biopsy (sentinel node biopsy), and further testing through blood tests and scans. Cases where the disease is at a more advanced stage may require treatment with chemotherapy, immunotherapy, or new targeted treatments.
Here at the GMI we have a team of highly specialized professionals, who are dedicated to the early diagnosis and management of melanoma. We have invested in advanced equipment for the initial diagnosis, and we offer the latest technology and a full spectrum of investigations necessary for the staging and monitoring of advanced melanoma (including MRI, CT and PET scans). Furthermore, in advanced stages the department of medical oncology will recommend the newest regimen of systemic therapy like targeted therapy, chemotherapy and/or immunotherapy.
We embrace a multi-disciplinary approach model, where teams of different specialties including dermatology, surgery, oncology, and radiotherapy meet weekly and discuss each case to decide what the optimal treatment for each patient is.
We are here to guide and support you along the way.
Diagnosis
The dermatologist uses a key tool called dermatoscope. This is a handheld device that can magnify skin lesions up to 10 times. It helps the dermatologist assess the color and structure of a mole, showing features that are specific to melanoma and cannot be seen with the naked eye. In experienced hands it can help diagnose melanoma early.
At our department we also offer a brand-new, total body photography, dermoscopy and artificial intelligence mole mapping tool which not only photographs and records all body moles but also identifies suspicious, new, and changed moles quickly and accurately. This tool scans and takes a picture of all your moles and recognizes those that ‘stand-out’ and need further assessment. All mole pictures can be magnified, and the characteristics of each mole can be evaluated. Furthermore, these pictures can be saved and compared to a new set of pictures taken on your next visit, to identify any new or changing moles.
After careful examination using the tools above, our surgical dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy, usually removing the suspicious lesion. This is a quick procedure performed under local anesthetic, at our dedicated operating rooms. The wound is closed with a few stitches and a plaster is applied. The lesion is then sent to our histopathology laboratory to analyze its cellular and molecular characteristics, which will confirm the diagnosis and provide valuable details for further management.
Why GMI
At the GMI German Oncology Center, a dedicated team of internationally acclaimed physicians guides each lung cancer patient through their entire journey, from their diagnostic work-up to their treatment and post-treatment care.
The GMI team will never offer a simple “one size fits all” approach to any patient. We believe each patient’s case is as individual as they are and strive to find the best solution for each of our patients, taking their specific case and diagnosis, their lifestyle, and choices into account.
We believe each of our patients is more than their diagnosis. That’s why our dedicated paramedics team supports lung cancer patients on their journey by offering more than just expert medical care. We offer psychological help, integrative oncology services (including yoga classes, and acupuncture) and have a GMI Patient Advocacy Program.
Adhering to our passion for innovation, and desire to progress the medical field, the GMI German Oncology Center both initiates and participates in several clinical trials in which the most modern and advanced treatment concepts are tested.
