Melanoma is a type of cancer that affects the pigment-producing melanocyte cells. The disease normally manifests as a mole of irregular shape, size, and color on the skin. In rare cases, it may affect the mucous membranes of the intestine or the eye, where it causes problems with vision.

Melanoma and its prevention, symptoms, and treatment are a subject of research, and advancements in medicine have made it possible to treat it successfully if diagnosed in the early stages. However, one should take some precautions like protecting themselves from the ultraviolet radiation of the sun, not using tanning beds, and such. This article discusses the diagnostic and treatment methods of melanoma:

Diagnosing melanoma
Sometimes it may be difficult to distinguish a cancerous mole from a benign mole. A doctor well aware of melanoma and its prevention, symptoms, and treatment will usually start with some physical examinations and also recommend other tests based on the results. Common diagnostic techniques for melanoma include the following:

• Physical examination
  The doctor may examine the mole on the skin and check for irregularities in shape, asymmetry, or change in color. The border of the melanoma mole with the surrounding skin is often botched, which sets it apart from a benign mole.
• Skin biopsy
  An irregular looking mole may need to be examined closely, for which a doctor might order a skin biopsy. Here, a small sample of the skin tissue is taken and tested for cancer in the laboratory.
• Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) Scan
  This is mainly used to detect the presence of cancer in the brain and spinal cord. This technique uses radio waves and a magnetic field to create clear images of the body.
• CT scan
  This is yet another imaging technique that creates clear, cross-sectional images of the body using X-rays to detect the presence of cancer.

Treatment for melanoma
The treatment plan for melanoma depends on several factors, including how far it has spread, whether any of the patient’s family members have melanoma, and the patient’s medical history. Melanoma and its prevention, symptoms, and treatment are best discussed with a doctor as it is a severe disease and cannot be self-diagnosed. Here are some treatment methods used for melanoma:

• Surgery
  Surgery is considered when cancer has not spread to distant organs. If the cancer is only present in skin growth, it may be removed surgically. Additionally, other treatment methods may be recommended before or after surgery.
• Radiation therapy
  Targeted radiation is used to kill the cancer cells in this procedure.
• Chemotherapy
  This involves administering anti-cancer medications to destroy cancerous cells if they have spread further across the body.
• Immunotherapy
  This involves strengthening the immune system and enabling it to fight the disease by attacking the cancer cells.

Melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer, so one should get medical help as soon as they notice the symptoms. Proper care and treatment make it possible to treat it effectively and even cure this condition.