Melanoma check what items

Written by Sun Ming Yue
Medical Oncology
Updated on November 30, 2024
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If patients suspect that they have melanoma, they must go to a qualified hospital for examination. The diagnosis of melanoma mainly relies on visual inspection of colored moles that vary in color and shape, which can be directly observed with the eye. Also, if previously existing moles have enlarged or changed shape recently, these are signs that we need to pay attention to. If patients are suspected of having melanoma after a diagnosis, it is recommended to perform a complete excisional biopsy of the lesion, followed by a pathological examination after the surgery.

Other Voices

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
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Is laser treatment or surgical removal better for melanoma?

Regarding whether laser treatment or surgical excision is better for melanoma, the answer is clear: surgical excision is better. Melanoma originates from melanocytes and is not limited to one layer of the skin. Therefore, for melanoma of the skin, the infiltration depth can sometimes be profound, reaching the dermis layer. Laser treatment sometimes only covers a superficial depth, which cannot achieve complete removal. Surgical excision can completely remove deeper infiltrative parts of the melanoma, and after the excision, complete tissues can be obtained for pathological examination, which helps in staging after the surgery and guides treatment post-surgery. Laser treatment does not offer these benefits. Therefore, current guidelines recommend surgical excision for the treatment of melanoma and do not recommend laser treatment.

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Written by Zhu Zhu
Dermatology
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The difference between melanoma and moles

Melanoma and moles are distinguishable; firstly, moles are generally smaller, while melanomas have a larger diameter. Secondly, the color of a mole is more uniform, whereas the color of a melanoma is inconsistent in depth. Furthermore, moles are typically symmetric in shape, while melanomas are asymmetric. Lastly, melanoma is a type of malignant tumor, whereas a mole is simply a skin condition.

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Written by Gong Chun
Oncology
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What is melanoma?

Melanoma, also known as malignant melanoma, originates from the malignant transformation of melanocytes. It is commonly found in individuals with fair skin, blond or red hair, and blue eyes, who are often prone to this type of disease, particularly in tropical regions where the condition is more prevalent. The incidence rate increases after the age of fifty, and the rate of occurrence between men and women within the same group is quite similar. In a minority of cases, melanoma can also occur in parts outside of the skin, such as the anus, rectum, esophagus, or inside the eyes. When the tumor is confined within the epidermis, referred to as in situ carcinoma, it can be cured through surgery. If there is metastasis, treatment may include immunotherapy, chemotherapy, or local radiotherapy.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
Oncology
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Stage IV melanoma is what stage?

Melanoma stage IV is stage 4, where IV is the Roman numeral for 4. Stage IV melanoma means that the melanoma is no longer confined to the site of origin and has metastasized to distant organs. Melanoma commonly originates in the skin and mucous membranes, with the most common sites of metastasis being the lymph nodes and lungs. Once melanoma reaches stage 4, the opportunity for curative surgery is lost. Treatment primarily involves immunotherapy, targeted molecular therapy, etc., and is incurable.

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Written by Cui Fang Bo
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Melanoma stage IV is the fourth stage.

Melanoma stage IV refers to the fourth stage of melanoma, where IV represents the Roman numeral for 4. Stage IV melanoma means that the melanoma is no longer confined to the local lesion but has metastasized to distant organs. The most common locations for melanoma include the skin and mucous membranes, with typical metastatic sites including the lungs, brain, liver, etc. Once diagnosed as stage IV, there are no indications for surgical treatment. Treatment primarily involves a comprehensive approach combining chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy.