Treatment for melanoma is different for each type of cancer. Some melanomas can be removed through surgery and other forms of treatment, such as targeted therapy, require a surgical procedure. Others may only be cured with a biological therapy. A biological therapy is one that targets the weaknesses in cancer cells and destroys them. Radiation therapy is sometimes used for melanomas that cannot be removed through surgery. In some cases, melanoma treatment may be necessary if the cancer has spread to other areas of the body.
Stages of melanoma cancer are based on the TNM system, which categorizes it by stage. Stage 0 is melanoma in situ, meaning the cancer has not spread to deeper layers of skin. Stage I is melanoma that has spread to the skin’s next layer. It is smaller than one mm in Breslow Depth and may be ulcerated.
Melanoma starts with a single cell, which then divides into two new ones and grows wildly. The new cells spread throughout the skin and can even grow downward into the inner layers. The more advanced stage of melanoma is known as malignant melanoma, and it spreads rapidly to surrounding tissues. It can even invade the lungs or the liver. Once malignant, it can cause death.
Those with fair skin should be particularly aware of any spots that are larger than six millimeters in diameter. While lentigo maligna does not spread rapidly, it can be very dangerous if not diagnosed and treated early. The disease usually appears on the torso, arms, or legs. It grows slowly at first, but grows quickly once it has reached the skin’s surface. However, the earliest stages of melanoma cancer are still quite early in the course of development.
Melanoma can be detected early by using a combination of two diagnostic methods. The most common tests used in early stages are chest X-rays and a test called LDH. Sometimes, patients will undergo CT, MRI, or PET scans to evaluate if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. In this case, total body photography will be more effective compared to dermoscopic imaging.
A doctor may perform a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis of melanoma. This procedure involves the removal of a tissue sample and examination under a microscope. The biopsy will determine whether the disease has reached a stage that requires surgical intervention. Early detection is the key to successful treatment. In addition to performing a biopsy, your physician may also recommend a treatment plan. The biopsy will be important for determining the type of treatment you’ll need.
During the diagnosis, melanoma cancer in dogs often has already metastasized. The lungs often show a tumor just a few months after the diagnosis. Because it has such a rapid spread, OMM can develop in any breed of dog, even those with a history of skin cancer. But some breeds are more susceptible than others, such as Cocker Spaniels, Chow Chows, Scottish Terriers, Dachshunds, and Dobermans.
