Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for pigment production. In the United States, approximately 100,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed each year, and there are around 1 million patients currently living with melanoma.
Melanoma can be categorized into several subtypes, including superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma, lentigo maligna melanoma, and acral lentiginous melanoma. Risk factors for developing melanoma include excessive UV radiation exposure, a history of sunburn, fair skin, numerous moles, and family history of the disease.
Clinical symptoms often manifest as changes in existing moles or the appearance of new pigmented lesions. The ABCDE rule (Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variation, Diameter greater than 6mm, Evolving size or shape) serves as a guideline for recognizing potential melanomas.
Diagnosis typically involves a thorough skin examination, dermatoscopy, and biopsy to confirm malignancy and assess tumor characteristics. Staging is essential for determining the extent of the disease, often utilizing imaging studies such as CT scans and PET scans.
Treatment strategies are dependent on the stage of the melanoma. Surgical excision is the primary treatment for localized tumors. For advanced melanoma, options include targeted therapies, immunotherapies, and chemotherapy, with recent advances significantly improving patient outcomes. The overall 5-year survival rate for melanoma patients varies, with early-stage melanoma having rates as high as 98%, while advanced melanoma has a significantly lower survival rate of around 30%.