Contents
What Makes Melanoma So Dangerous?
Published: Apr 25, 2024
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. It's important to understand its characteristics and growth patterns to catch it early.
Melanoma Basics
Melanoma is a form of aggressive skin cancer that can spread unpredictably to any organ. The earlier it's diagnosed and treated, the better the chances of reducing its impact. Key factors influencing treatment include the thickness of the tumor and whether it has spread to other areas.
Growth Phases Explained
Melanoma grows in two phases: radial and vertical. In the radial phase, it often remains on the skin's surface and is easier to treat. The vertical phase is more dangerous as the cancer cells grow deeper into the skin, increasing the risk of spreading.
Subtypes of Melanoma
Melanoma can present in various subtypes like superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, and acral lentiginous. Each subtype has unique characteristics, which can affect how they are treated and their potential for spreading.
Why Early Detection Matters
Detecting melanoma early can make a significant difference. Early stages are often treatable with surgery, but if it advances to the vertical growth phase, it becomes more challenging to manage.
Frequently Asked Questions
Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that can spread to other body parts.
Early detection allows for easier treatment before the cancer spreads deeply.
Melanoma grows in radial and vertical phases, with the vertical phase being more dangerous.
They include superficial spreading, nodular, lentigo maligna, and acral lentiginous.
Treatment often involves surgery, especially in early stages.
Key Takeaways
Understanding melanoma's characteristics and growth phases is crucial for early intervention.
References
- Siegel RL, Miller KD, Jemal A. Cancer statistics, 2019. CA Cancer J Clin 2019; 69:7.
- Magro CM, Crowson AM, Mihm MC Jr. The Melanocytic Proliferations: A Comprehensive Textbook of Pigmented Lesions, 2nd ed, Wiley, 2014.
- Liu V, Mihm MC. Pathology of malignant melanoma. Surg Clin North Am 2003; 83:31.
- Elmore JG, Elder DE, Barnhill RL, et al. Concordance and Reproducibility of Melanoma Staging According to the 7th vs 8th Edition of the AJCC Cancer Staging Manual. JAMA Netw Open 2018; 1.
- Elmore JG, Barnhill RL, Elder DE, et al. Pathologists' diagnosis of invasive melanoma and melanocytic proliferations: observer accuracy and reproducibility study. BMJ 2017; 357:j2813.
This article has been reviewed for accuracy by one of the licensed medical doctors working for Doctronic. Always discuss health information with your healthcare provider.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Appointments available 24/7
Top licensed doctors
Available in all 50 states
Full service care
Prescriptions, referrals & treatment
No insurance needed
All notes available in Doctronic
15-min consultation. No hidden costs.
AI Doctor Visit Required
Please Chat With Our AI Doctor First
Our AI doctor assessment helps our human doctors prepare for your video visit and provide better care
For safety reasons we have been forced to end this consultation.
If you believe this is a medical emergency please call 911 or your local emergency services immediately.
If you are experiencing emotional distress, please call the the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988 or your local crisis services immediately.
Contact us
You can also email us at help@doctronic.ai
We aim to reply within 5-7 days
How likely are you to recommend Doctronic to friends or family?