Is melanoma a malignant tumor?

Written by Liu Gang
Dermatology
Updated on September 14, 2024
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Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor with a relatively high degree of malignancy and a high chance of metastasis, leading to a high mortality rate in the later stages. Once diagnosed, it is imperative to undergo surgical removal at a recognized hospital's dermatology department, followed by radiotherapy and chemotherapy. Melanomas usually develop from common melanocytic nevi, so if such nevi appear on the body, they should be treated correctly. If small, they can be removed with laser treatment; if slightly larger, surgical removal is recommended. If localized melanocytic nevi cause pain, itching, oozing, or bleeding, these could be precursors to malignant transformation and should be taken seriously.

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The significance of melanoma genetic testing

The significance of genetic testing for melanoma patients mainly involves two aspects: first, the identification of specific driver gene mutations to guide the application of targeted drugs; second, the detection of mutations in some common genes to judge the prognosis of the disease. Regarding the target gene mutations for drug selection, the commonly used ones include mutations in C-KIT, BRAF, and M-TOR. If mutations in these target genes are found, corresponding targeted drugs can be used for treatment. These drugs are generally orally administered, have relatively good efficacy, low side effects, and are suitable for the treatment of melanoma. Additionally, some genetic tests can predict the prognosis of melanoma patients based on the presence or absence of mutations.

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Is melanoma flat or raised?

Melanoma is generally raised and does not have a fixed shape. In the early stages of local growth, melanoma appears flat. As the tumor grows and proliferates, some protrusions may occur, but protrusions should not be equated with malignancy. If a previously flat mole suddenly becomes raised, one should be vigilant about the possibility of malignancy. However, a raised mole is not necessarily melanoma; there are some intradermal nevi or benign skin lesions, and other types of skin cancers can also manifest as raised changes. Therefore, if there are some melanocytic nevi on the skin that quickly develop symptoms such as ulceration, bleeding, pain, or itching, it is important to promptly visit a dermatology department at a standard hospital for an examination and, if necessary, surgical removal and pathological investigation.

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How long does it take for melanoma to develop from early stage to advanced stage?

From what we observe now, in the early stages of illness, melanomas are typically found on the extremities such as hands, feet, the underside of feet, under fingernails, and particularly on the big toe. Initially, they might appear simply as a black spot or a lesion. About two to three years later, there might be swelling at the site of the lesion or black spot. Then, within another five to six months, it may ulcerate, indicating that the condition has worsened.

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Can melanoma be detected by ultrasound?

Melanoma is a very serious disease, and if detected in its early stages, treatment should be sought promptly. If treatment is delayed, the effects of treating the disease in its advanced stages are not very good or significant. Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor that is prone to occurrence and poses a significant risk, endangering life. Generally, if melanoma is being tested, the Vacca double PAP immunoenzymatic marking method is used for detection.

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Does melanoma need to be excised?

Melanoma is a type of malignant tumor, which mostly develops from common melanocytic nevi. Once diagnosed with this disease, surgical removal is necessary. After the surgery, a full-body examination is also required to check whether the tumor cells have metastasized. If there is metastasis, further radiotherapy or chemotherapy is needed. If melanocytic nevi appear on the body, it is crucial to handle them properly, ideally by using laser treatment or surgical removal when they are relatively small to prevent the later formation of melanoma. If the melanocytic nevi cause pain, itching, or oozing after scratching, it might be a precursor to malignancy, and formal treatment is necessary.