Understanding Melanoma: Screening, Treatment and Prevention

As a family physician and medical director of French origin, who completed my schooling and practiced in France before settling in Quebec, I wish to share essential information on melanoma, a type of skin cancer that can be extremely dangerous if not detected and treated in time. This article aims to raise awareness of the warning signs, treatment options and means of preventing melanoma, to help everyone better understand this disease and take the necessary steps to protect themselves.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that develops in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes. Although melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer, it is much more dangerous because it tends to spread rapidly to other parts of the body.

Signs and symptoms

Early detection of melanoma is crucial for effective treatment. Warning signs include:

-A new spot on the skin or a change in an existing spot: This can include changes in color, shape or size.

-A spot that doesn't look like the others: it's often called "the ugly duckling".

-Skin lesions with irregular margins: Margins that are uneven, crenellated or ill-defined.

-Color variations: The presence of several shades of brown, black, blue, red or white.

-Increasing diameter: Melanomas are generally larger than 6 mm, although they may be smaller at first.

-Evolution: Any change in a spot on the skin, including bleeding, itching or crusting.

ABCDE of suspicious lesions

To help patients monitor their own skin lesions, it is important to become familiar with the ABCDE system, which helps identify potentially dangerous signs:

-Asymmetry (A): One half of the spot does not match the other half.

-Uneven edges (B): The edges are uneven, crenellated or ill-defined, and it's difficult to go around the lesion.

-Heterogeneous color (C): The lesion shows two or more colors, such as brown, black, blue, red or white.

-Diameter (D): The lesion is generally larger than 6 mm, although it may be smaller at first.

-Evolution (E): Any change in the spot, including size, shape, color or symptoms such as bleeding or itching.

Diagnosis and treatment

When melanoma is suspected, a skin biopsy is usually performed to confirm the diagnosis. If melanoma is confirmed, treatment will depend on the depth and extent of the tumor. Treatment options include:

-Surgery: To remove the melanoma and a margin of healthy skin around it.

-Immunotherapy: Uses the body's immune system to fight cancer cells.

-Targeted therapy: uses drugs that target specific mutations in cancer cells.

-Radiotherapy: uses high-energy X-rays to destroy cancer cells.

-Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.

Prevention

The key to preventing melanoma is to protect your skin from harmful UV rays. Here are a few tips:

-Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen: With an SPF of 30 or more, even on cloudy days.

-Avoid peak sunlight hours: between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.

-Wear protective clothing: such as wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses and protective clothing.

-Avoid tanning beds: Artificial UV rays increase the risk of melanoma.

-Monitor your skin regularly: To detect any new spots or changes quickly.

Conclusion

Melanoma is a serious disease, but one that can be effectively treated if detected at an early stage. By remaining vigilant about skin changes and adopting protective measures against UV rays, everyone can reduce their risk of developing melanoma. If you have any concerns, or would like a skin examination, please do not hesitate to consult your doctor.

For more information or to book an appointment, visit allodocteur.ca. We also offer in-home consultations in Montreal starting at $279, depending on the complexity and location of the consultation.