Melanomas are a type of skin cancer. As with all kinds of cancer, they go through a number of stages of development. Stages 1 and 2 are considered "early stage" melanoma or "localized" melanoma. This means that the cancer has not yet metastasized (spread) to either the lymph nodes or any other part of the body. Early stage melanoma treatment options are usually highly effective, with an excellent prognosis.
Diagnosing Early Stage Melanoma:
Usually, a melanoma is diagnosed by the removal of an abnormal mole and sending this for a biopsy. Moles are quickly removed under local anesthetic. The tissue is then send to a laboratory, where it will be checked for melanoma. If melanoma is found, the lab will also be able to determine how deep the cancer is. The deeper a melanoma is, the more likely it is to come back at a later stage, and the more likely that it will spread as well. Hence, the depth of the melanoma is usually also used to determine which stage of the cancer you have reached.
If it is determined that the mole is indeed a melanoma, a second operation will be performed. This will remove a larger piece of tissue, including some healthy tissue, around the original site. This is known as a "wide local excision" and is one of the first early stage melanoma treatment options. Just how big the site will depend on the state of the melanoma. A number of recommendations have been made and accepted, however, including that at least 1 cm of tissue be removed around the melanoma in Stage 1 cancer, and that at least 2 cm of tissue be removed around the melanoma in Stage 2 cancer.
Usually, the operation will be performed with a local anesthetic. In stage 1A melanoma, this is often the only treatment that is required. However, with stages 1B or 2 melanoma, further tests will be offered. As part of the early stage melanoma treatment options, the physician will try to determine whether there has been any spread to the lymph nodes. It is up to you to agree or disagree to this test, but if you do have it, a sentinel lymph node biopsy will be completed under general anesthetic.
After Treatment:
If the physician is confident that they have been able to remove enough tissue to get rid of the skin cancer, no further treatment will be required, and you will be classed as being in remission. However, you will be asked to monitor yourself for signs and symptoms of recurrences, which include:
– Changes in the appearance of other moles
– Spots that look dark and like moles appearing at the area where your melanoma was before
– Enlarging of the lymph nodes and glands, particularly around the removal site of the melanoma
If you do notice any of this, you should get in touch with your specialist multidisciplinary team as soon as possible. Do not wait until your next follow up appointment, unless it is no more than one week away. These appointments are generally had on an outpatient basis, meaning that you can go home straight away if you feel happy and alert enough.