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ABOUT
MELANOMA
What now?
A skin cancer diagnosis can come as a shock to you and your loved ones. What does it all mean, and what happens next? Knowledge is power. You are here, and this is now. The more you know about melanoma, the better you’ll feel about your care team discussions. Be sure to ask the pros and cons of each treatment option to help choose the best therapy plan for you.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can be very serious if not discovered and treated early.
Advanced or metastatic melanoma has spread to other parts of the body but may be treated with medicine that works with a person's own immune system, known as immunotherapy. See how immunotherapy works.
How is melanoma, a type of skin cancer, identified?
Is this mole skin cancer? When did that spot get there? Could this spot be more than just a spot? Why is this area on my [body part] a different color than the rest of my skin?
Below are common signs and symptoms, known as the ABCDE guide, that may indicate skin cancer is a possibility. Seek your doctor immediately with any concerns. Self-examine often and be sure to attend your yearly dermatologist full-body exam.
What are the stages of melanoma skin cancer?
If melanoma skin cancer is detected, your doctor will determine its stage, which then guides your care team for the best treatment plan for you. There are 5 stages of melanoma skin cancer that are graphically depicted below to provide context of your doctor’s diagnosis.
The epidermis, the outermost layer of skin, provides a waterproof barrier and creates our skin tone.
The dermis, beneath the epidermis, contains tough connective tissue, hair follicles, and sweat glands.
The hypodermis is the deeper subcutaneous tissue and is made of fat and connective tissue.
Stage 0
The earliest stage where the melanoma cells are only found in the outermost skin layer. This is known as melanoma in situ and is the start of a visible skin cancer mole.
Stage 1
The melanoma is no more than 2 mm thick and may or may not be ulcerated. The melanoma cells are found deeper in the skin but have not spread to other parts of the body.
Stage 2
The melanoma may be thicker than 4 mm and may or may not be ulcerated. The melanoma cells are found even deeper in the skin but have not spread to other parts of the body.
Stage 3
The melanoma can be any thickness, and it may or may not be ulcerated. The melanoma cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes and/or to very small areas of nearby skin. There are no signs the cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
Stage 4
The melanoma can be any thickness, and may or may not be ulcerated. The cancer has spread to distant parts of the body.
What are the most common risk factors for melanoma?
- Lighter skin, hair, and eyes
- Sunburn easily
- A high number of moles
- UV light exposure from the sun or tanning beds
- Previous skin cancers
- Other childhood cancers
- Weakened or suppressed immune system
- Rare inherited conditions
What is a biomarker?
- “Bio" refers to something in the body and "marker" refers to something that can be identified or measured through testing
- Biomarkers are biological molecules that can be found in blood, other body fluids, or tissues. They can be a sign of a normal or abnormal process, or of a condition or disease such as melanoma
- Doctors will perform biomarker testing along with other procedures, such as biopsies, to help diagnose some types of cancer, to help plan treatment, find out how well treatment is working, make a prognosis, and predict whether cancer will come back or spread to other parts of the body
- Your doctor may test for the BRAF biomarker if you have melanoma
Why is my doctor testing for the BRAF biomarker?
BRAF biomarker testing may be ordered by your doctor to understand your BRAF status. Whether your test comes back as BRAF negative or BRAF positive, there are multiple treatment options available. Your doctor will guide you on next best steps. Learn more about an advanced melanoma treatment option that may work regardless of BRAF status.
