Malignant melanoma

Alternative names:

acral lentiginous melanoma; cancer of the skin (malignant melanoma); lentigo maligna melanoma; melanoma - acral lentiginous; melanoma - lentigo maligna; melanoma - malignant; melanoma - nodular; melanoma - superficial spreading; nodular melanoma; skin cancer - malignant melanoma; superficial spreading melanoma

Treatment:

The goal of treatment is to cure the cancer.

Surgical removal of the tumor, with a margin of normal skin also removed, is usually required. Surgical removal of nearby lymph nodes may accompany removal of the tumor. A skin graft may be necessary after the tumor is removed.

Tumor removal may be accompanied or followed by radiation, chemotherapy (anticancer medications), or immunotherapy (medications that stimulate the immune system, such as interferon).

The stress of illness can often be helped by joining a support group where members share common experiences and problems. See cancer - support group.

Expectations (prognosis):

The depth (thickness) of the tumor is the single most important factor in determining prognosis (expected outcome).

Approximately 77% (men) to 88% (women) of malignant melanomas may be cured if treated early. If deep local spread or metastasis occurs, 5 year survival (the number of people who live for at least 5 years) is about 30%. With distant metastasis, 5 year survival is less than 10%.

Complications:

• spread to deep tissues with damage to structure or function
• metastasis of tumor to other locations within the body

Calling your health care provider:

Call your health care provider if symptoms indicate that malignant melanoma may be present; if any existing skin lesion changes in color, size, texture, or appearance; or if you develop pain, inflammation, bleeding or itching of an existing skin lesion.