Melanomas can progress very quickly or very slowly
If you have a melanoma, a plastic surgeon will need to know what stage it is at in order to provide you with the most effective treatment. The melanoma and some surrounding skin will need to be removed for biopsy (if not already done at an earlier stage of diagnosis) for further tests to be done.
Appearance
The appearance of a melanoma changes as the cells multiply. It is important to check the melanoma: if it is cracked or bleeding (ulcerated) it may mean that the melanoma has spread.
Size and thickness
Melanomas increase in size and thickness as the cells multiply. After a plastic surgeon removes the melanoma and some surrounding skin, a pathologist will determine the stage of the melanoma before an appropriate treatment can be selected. Melanomas-in-situ, thin, intermediate and thick melanomas all increase in severity with size and thickness.
Further tests
Once the size of the melanoma has been established it may be that further tests are required to determine whether it has has spread. These could include blood tests, chest x-rays, CTs MRIs, PET scans or a SLN biopsy.
Sentinel lymph node biopsy
A SLN biopsy is the most effective way to determine whether a melanoma has spread if your melanoma measures between 1 and 4 mm in thickness or has other concerning features when looked at under the microscope. If cancer cells break away from the melanoma and enter the body they often become lodged in lymph glands. Lymph glands are most heavily distributed around the neck, armpit and groin areas and help the body fight disease. An absence of cancer cells in the sentinel nodes which guard the lymph glands is likely to mean that the rest of the gland is cancer free. If present, other lymph glands may need to be removed to stop the disease spreading.
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More detailed information can be obtained during a consultation with one of our plastic surgeons. Please contact the Institute for a consultation.
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