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Melanoma

A Rapidly Lethal Cancer

Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.

Melanoma can be obvious

Or not so obvious

Melanoma can be obvious

Or not so obvious

Melanoma is the most lethal form of skin cancer. Australia has one of the highest rates of melanoma in the world.

Early Detection can save your life.

Melanoma — Who is at Risk?

Melanoma usually occurs in fair skinned people who have one or more of the following risk factors

Sun exposure, particularly during childhood
Fair skin that burns easily
Blistering sunburn, especially when young
Previous melanoma
Previous BCC or SCC
Family history of melanoma, especially if two or more members are affected
Large numbers of moles (especially if there are more than 100)
Abnormal moles (dysplastic naevi)

In all of these cases what is needed is very careful observation to ensure a Melanoma is not missed in the future (Current Skin Cancer Guidelines).

You must regularly check such moles yourself for any obvious change in external appearance. However, it is also important for doctors to monitor them for changes in internal patterns of pigment and blood vessels. This is best done with Molemax digital photography or Mole Mapping.

Appearance of Melanoma — The ABCD of Melanoma Detection

Look for Danger Signs in Pigmented Lesions of the Skin using the ABCD method below. Consult your Skin Clinic or GP immediately if any of your moles or pigmented spots exhibit:

Asymmetry - one half unlike the other half.
Border irregular - scalloped or poorly circumscribed border.
Colour Variation: From one area to another; shades of tan and brown, black, sometimes white, red or blue.
Diameter larger than 5mm (diameter of a pencil).

Treatment of Melanoma

The only treatment for melanoma is complete removal by surgical excision. The tumour is removed as an ellipse (oval) of skin, together with a wide margin of normal skin to ensure complete removal. The skin edges are sutured together, resulting in a linear scar that usually several times longer than the width of the original lesion. Occasionally a specialized skin procedure called a Skin Flap or Skin Graft is used to close the skin. If this is needed the doctor will discuss this with you prior to the procedure.

Most early melanomas do not need extensive surgery and can be excised here at the clinic, avoiding the need for costly and inconvenient specialist referrals. However your treating doctor will not hesitate to refer you to a specialist surgeon if your melanoma excision warrants it.

The WA Melanoma Advisory Service (WAMAS) provides annual guidelines on the Surgical Treatment of Melanoma which are strictlly adhered to by the doctors of the Skin & Mole Clinic.

Non Invasive Treatments Because this is a potentially lethal tumour, non invasive skin cancer treatments such as Aldara and PDT are never used for melanoma.

After Treatment for Melanoma

Patients with a treated melanoma are at increased risk of developing further melanomas. They are also at increased risk of other skin cancers, especially BCC and SCC.

We will arrange a complete skin examination every 6 months for the first two years, and annually thereafter. Ask your doctor to check any persisting or growing lumps or sores or otherwise odd-looking skin lesions. Early detection means easier treatment, and less scarring.

Avoid excessive exposure to the sun. Stay indoors or under the shade in the middle of the day. Wear covering clothing. Apply broad spectrum sunscreen to exposed skin if you are outdoors for prolonged periods, especially during the summer months.

Skin Cancer Clinic

Types of Skin Cancer