Melanoma, the most serious type of skin cancer, occurs when the pigment-producing skin cells become cancerous. Melanoma is treatable, particularly when identified in the early stages before it spreads to other organs in the body. Melanoma can be seen in the appearance of a new, irregular mole, or a change in an existing mole. Aside from this, there are a number of signs that could indicate the presence of Melanoma.
Melanoma is a fairly rare but quite serious type of skin cancer that begins in the pigment-producing melanocyte cells and can develop anywhere on the body, including the face, neck, back, chest, or legs. Those with dark skin have a lower risk of contracting melanoma, but they may still get the cancer on their hands, nails, or feet. While the underlying cause of melanoma cannot be ascertained with complete certainty, most medical authorities agree that exposure to harmful ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning lamps/beds can increase the risk of getting skin cancer. Limiting exposure to UV radiation is the most powerful measure you can take to prevent melanoma.
With melanoma, a biopsy of the affected lesion in question is recommended. It is the only way for your doctor to know for sure if cancer is present. A small sample of the suspicious tissue is submitted for testing at a laboratory and is analyzed by a pathologist. Other diagnostic tests may be administered at the doctor’s discretion. The biopsy will report on the thickness of the melanoma, the rate at which the cells are dividing, and markers regarding the overall prognosis.
Your melanoma treatment in Los Angeles will depend on the nature of your cancer and its stage, as well as your overall health and preferences. When melanomas are in their early stages, minor surgery can remove them during the biopsy process without further treatment. If the melanoma has spread past the skin to the lymph nodes, surgery can be performed to remove the lymph nodes.
In addition to surgery, melanoma can be treated through immunotherapy drugs that boost the immune system to fight the cancer from within. This can be effective when the melanoma has spread to an inoperable point. Targeted therapies can also be used to take advantage of weaknesses within the cancer cells. Lastly, both radiation and chemotherapy are options for killing cancer cells.
Your unique recovery plan is crafted and personalized according to the type of treatment you undergo for melanoma. If you underwent surgery, it may take up to 3 weeks for your wounds to heal. If you underwent surgery with skin grafting, it may take even longer. Your doctor will provide pain relief medications as well as specific instructions for your aftercare. It’s of the utmost importance that you continue to monitor your health over time, returning for regular follow-up visits to ensure the cancer does not come back at a later date.
Our state-of-the-art facility provides access to among the most advanced, cutting-edge technology on the market today, coupled with an outstanding team of caring, experienced medical professionals who are devoted to your well-being and longevity. We strive to follow a holistic approach that addresses the patient’s mind, body, and spirit, elevating overall quality of life and peace of mind through personalized attention and a focus on transparency and trust. By being able to receive the full gamut of treatments at a single centralized location, the patient’s journey is streamlined, reducing stress and anxiety.
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