How is Melanoma Diagnosed and Treated?

 Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can be life-threatening if not detected and treated early. As one of the top Australian skin cancer clinics located in Box Hill and Keysborough, SunSkin Clinic is dedicated to providing comprehensive care for melanoma and other skin cancers. For Melbourne residents, we offer expert melanoma diagnosis and treatment services. If you suspect you have a skin cancer or want a thorough skin cancer check, contact our Box Hill branch at 03 8352 4200 or Keysborough branch at 03 9329 3300.

Melanoma Diagnosis

Early melanoma diagnosis is crucial for effective treatment and positive outcomes. At SunSkin Clinic, we utilize a range of advanced diagnostic tools and techniques to accurately identify melanoma and other skin cancers.

Skin Examination

The first step in melanoma diagnosis is a thorough skin examination. Our experienced skin cancer doctors carefully inspect your skin for any suspicious moles or lesions. We use the ABCDE criteria to assess moles:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.

• Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.

• Color: The color is not uniform and may include different shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.

• Diameter: The mole is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color over time.

Dermoscopy

Dermoscopy is a non-invasive technique that allows our doctors to examine the structures of the skin more closely using a specialized magnifying device. This tool enhances our ability to distinguish between benign and malignant lesions, leading to more accurate melanoma diagnosis.

Biopsy

If a suspicious mole or lesion is identified, a biopsy is performed to confirm the diagnosis. During a biopsy, a small sample of the skin tissue is removed and examined under a microscope by a pathologist. This step is crucial for determining whether the lesion is melanoma and, if so, the stage of the cancer.

Skin Cancer Diagnosis and Treatment

Once melanoma or another type of skin cancer is diagnosed, prompt and effective treatment is essential. SunSkin Clinic offers a range of skin cancer treatments tailored to the specific needs of each patient.

Surgical Excision

Surgical excision is the most common treatment for melanoma. During this procedure, the melanoma and a margin of surrounding healthy tissue are removed to ensure all cancer cells are eliminated. The size of the margin depends on the thickness and location of the melanoma.

Mohs Surgery

For melanomas located in cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face, Mohs surgery may be recommended. This technique involves the precise removal of cancerous tissue layer by layer while preserving as much healthy tissue as possible. Each layer is examined under a microscope until no cancer cells remain, resulting in a high cure rate and minimal scarring.

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

If the melanoma is more advanced, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to determine if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. This procedure helps guide further treatment decisions and assess the stage of the melanoma.

Advanced Melanoma Treatment

For advanced melanoma that has spread beyond the skin, additional treatments may be required. SunSkin Clinic offers access to cutting-edge therapies and clinical trials to provide the best possible outcomes for our patients.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is a type of treatment that stimulates the body's immune system to attack cancer cells. This approach has shown promising results in treating advanced melanoma and improving survival rates.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves the use of drugs that specifically target genetic mutations found in melanoma cells. By blocking these mutations, targeted therapy can slow or stop the growth of cancer.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy may be used to treat melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body or to reduce the risk of recurrence after surgery. This treatment uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells and shrink tumors.

Conclusion

Melanoma diagnosis and treatment require a comprehensive and personalized approach. At SunSkin Clinic, we are committed to providing the highest quality care for our patients. With locations in Box Hill and Keysborough, we offer convenient access to expert melanoma diagnosis and treatment services.

If you are concerned about a suspicious mole or are due for a skin cancer check, don't wait. Early detection is key to successful treatment. Contact SunSkin Clinic today to book an appointment. Call our Box Hill branch at 03 8352 4200 or our Keysborough branch at 03 9329 3300. For more information and to book online, visit our appointment page.