A physician may diagnose melanoma cancer by performing a biopsy of a suspicious skin growth. This procedure will remove a small piece of skin growth and examine it under a microscope to determine its thickness and if there are any metastases. This information is used to stage the cancer, which will determine the type of treatment available. Patients should be aware that there is no one specific treatment for melanoma, and that the condition can be treated in many different ways.
In addition to chemotherapy, there are several other treatments for melanoma cancer. Several drug studies are currently underway to develop new therapies to treat patients. One treatment is Nivolumab, a fully human monoclonal antibody that targets the protein PD-1. It functions similarly to pemrolizumab, and is approved by the FDA for metastatic melanoma. Nivolumab is associated with several side effects, including edema and upper respiratory tract infections. More research is necessary to determine whether Nivolumab is safe and effective.
There are three main types of melanoma cancer. Each type has specific characteristics that help determine the type of treatment. The type of chemotherapy is chosen based on a patient’s specific needs and genetics. In addition, a patient’s genetic makeup may also contribute to the development of melanoma. Although melanoma cancer is rare in the United States, it does affect nearly one-third of the population.
Another risk factor is having a compromised immune system. Patients with certain types of cancer or who have had organ transplants have a greater risk of developing the disease. Furthermore, those with a compromised immune system are more likely to develop melanoma. However, even those with the gene mutation are at risk. While there is still no one-size-fits-all treatment, a person with a high risk of developing the disease should take precautions to protect their skin and keep follow-up appointments with a dermatologist.
Early detection is crucial in determining the type of treatment that is right for a patient. Early detection of melanoma cancer will help patients have the best chance of surviving it. Although the disease is often harder to diagnose in the early stages, doctors can still make the diagnosis. It is important to find a physician who specializes in treating melanoma. He or she should also have experience in clinical trials, which can help patients better understand a treatment option.
Another new treatment for melanoma cancer is Ipilimumab, a humanized monoclonal antibody that inhibits the cytotoxic T-lymphocyte antigen-4 receptor. It was approved by the FDA in March 2011 as a treatment for advanced or metastatic melanoma. Ipilimumab works by blocking the cellular activity of CTLA-4, a type of cancer-fighting T cell. CTLA-4 is similar to CD28, so they can bind to antigen-presenting cells.
Often, people have a few moles on their skin that may not be malignant. While most of these are harmless, “atypical” moles should be evaluated by a physician. The first sign of melanoma is a discolored, flat, or raised patch that changes color and has irregular borders. It may be red, itchy, or change color. It may be in a spot without hair follicles.
