Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, arising from the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. It can develop on normal skin or within an existing mole and often appears as a dark, irregularly shaped lesion that changes in size, colour, or sensation. Early detection is critical, as melanoma can spread to other parts of the body if left untreated.

Melanoma may be suspected on careful examination of a suspicious skin lesion.  The gold-standard of diagnosing melanoma is a comprehensive excisional biopsy, aiming to remove the entire lesion for microscopic pathological examination.  Once diagnosed, a melanoma should have a Wide Local Excision procedure as the primary treatment. The goal is to completely remove the lesion (or the scar from prior biopsy) with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure no cancerous cells remain. 

Melanoma excisions may require removal of substantial areas of skin, in cosmetically sensitive parts of the body.  Carefully tailored reconstructive options may be offered by a plastic and reconstructive surgeon, such as Dr Justin Parr.  These treatments are designed to optimise healing and cosmetic outcomes, particularly for lesions on visible areas such as the face or limbs. 

In recent years, immunotherapy has emerged as an adjunct to surgical treatment of melanoma, providing increased survival for those diagnosed with advanced melanoma.  Lymph node biopsy is a procedure to detect spread of melanoma cells to regional lymph nodes, in which case patients may be eligible for immunotherapy treatment.  Plastic and Reconstructive Surgeons are fully trained in the diagnosis and treatment of melanoma, including surgical management of lymph node involvement.