Malignant Melanoma (MM)
Malignant melanoma (MM) is one of the deadliest types of skin cancer. The cancer results from uncontrolled growth of melanocytes. These cells are responsible for producing melanin (dark protective pigment) in the skin. Fortunately, early detection makes MM curable. However, it can quickly spread to other organs in the body and become fatal without early detection and treatment.
Texas Surgical Dermatology, led by board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen, provides treatments for malignant melanoma (MM) skin cancer to patients in Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and surrounding locations.
Treatment Options
These are a few factors that may influence the treatment choice:
- Type of MM
- Size, location, aggressiveness, and number of MM
- General health of patient
- Possible complications, side effects, cure rate, and benefits of the procedure
- Experience and familiarity of the dermatologist in treating MM
You should know that every MM case is unique and the dermatologist you choose will create the most appropriate treatment plan for you. The stage of MM will dictate its treatment. The depth of invasion of MM will determine the stage. This is measured and reported after microscopic analysis of skin biopsy. Patient outcome is best when the MM has not invaded the skin deep.
Stage Wise Treatment Options
These are a few commonly used procedures for treating MM:
- Lymphadenectomy
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy
- Wide local surgical excision
- Biological therapy
- Chemotherapy
- Picture frame excision
- Radiation therapy
- Stage 0 (in situ)
Wide local surgical excision is used for treating MM that is less than a millimeter in depth. 1 centimeter margin of normal skin ais left.
- Stage I
Wide local surgical excision is used for treating malignant melanoma that is less than a millimeter in depth. Margin of 1 centimeter (normal skin) is excised too. Wide local surgical excision with a margin of 2 centimeters of normal skin is performed in case where the MM is 1 – 2 millimeters in depth.
- Stage II or Stage III
MM when greater than 1 millimeter in depth is removed using a wide local surgical excision that has a margin of up to 3 centimeters. Lymphadenectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy may also be performed.
- Stage IV
MM when greater than 1 millimeter in depth is removed using a wide local surgical excision that has a margin of up to 3 centimeters. Lymphadenectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed along with biological therapy, radiation therapy, and chemotherapy.
Follow-up Care Instructions
Patients that are diagnosed with MM should get dermatologist examination at least once every three months for the next two years. They should continue with follow-up appointments every 6 months for the next three years. Following this they should visit the dermatologist once a year for life.
You should note that patients with a history of MM are more susceptible to a recurrence. Your dermatologist will look for new MMS and ensure that any previously treated tumor doesn’t grow back. Patients should also perform weekly self-exams.
Board certified dermatologist Dr. Tri H. Nguyen at Texas Surgical Dermatology receives patients from Houston, Katy, Spring, The Woodlands, Texas, and nearby areas for malignant melanoma (MM) skin cancer treatment.
For More Information contact our Board Certified in Dermatologists at Texas Surgical Dermatology in Spring, TX
For more information on procedures and treatments offered at Texas Surgical Dermatology PA please call 832.663.6566 or click here to contact our dermatologists. Helping patients in Houston, The Woodlands, Spring, Katy and other surrounding areas of Texas.
