Best Malignant Melanoma Treatment in Altrincham, UK
Professional Malignant Melanoma Treatment and Removal in Altrincham
Malignant melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer, characterized by the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes - the cells that produce melanin (skin pigment). At Bollin Clinic in Altrincham, we provide comprehensive diagnosis, treatment, and removal services for malignant melanoma with a focus on early detection and optimal outcomes. Our experienced team understands that melanoma requires urgent attention and expert care to prevent spread to other organs.
What is Malignant Melanoma?
Malignant melanoma, also known as cutaneous melanoma, is an aggressive form of skin cancer that develops when melanocytes become malignant. Unlike other skin cancers, melanoma has a high potential to metastasize (spread) to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Melanomas can develop anywhere on the skin, including areas not regularly exposed to sunlight, and are more commonly found on the trunk in men and legs in women. The neck and face are also frequent sites of occurrence.
Types of Malignant Melanoma We Treat
At Bollin Clinic, we diagnose and treat various types of malignant melanoma, each requiring specialized expertise:
- Superficial spreading melanoma - most common type, grows horizontally first
- Nodular melanoma - grows rapidly and vertically into deeper skin layers
- Lentigo maligna melanoma - develops from sun-damaged skin, often on face
- Acral lentiginous melanoma - occurs on palms, soles, or under nails
- Amelanotic melanoma - lacks pigment and appears pink or skin-colored
- Desmoplastic melanoma - rare form with tendency to recur locally
Signs and Symptoms of Malignant Melanoma
Early detection of malignant melanoma is crucial for successful treatment. The ABCDE rule helps identify potential melanomas, and any suspicious changes should be evaluated immediately. Melanoma can grow very quickly and become life-threatening in as little as six weeks if left untreated. Common warning signs include:
- Asymmetry - one half of the mole doesn't match the other half
- Border irregularity - edges are ragged, notched, or blurred
- Color variation - multiple colors within the same lesion
- Diameter - larger than 6mm (size of a pencil eraser)
- Evolving - changes in size, shape, color, or texture
- A new spot that appears suddenly and grows rapidly
- Bleeding, itching, or ulceration of an existing mole
- Pigment spreading beyond the border to surrounding skin
What Are the Benefits of Early Melanoma Treatment?
- High cure rates when detected and treated early (over 95%)
- Prevention of metastasis to lymph nodes and distant organs
- Minimal surgical intervention with better cosmetic outcomes
- Reduced need for extensive treatments like chemotherapy
- Preservation of quality of life and long-term survival
- Peace of mind through professional diagnosis and staging
- Comprehensive follow-up care and monitoring
Risk Factors for Malignant Melanoma
Understanding melanoma risk factors helps with prevention and early detection strategies:
- Excessive UV radiation exposure from sun or tanning beds
- Fair skin, light hair, and light eye color
- History of severe sunburns, especially in childhood
- Large number of moles (more than 50) or atypical moles
- Family history of melanoma or other skin cancers
- Personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers
- Weakened immune system due to disease or medications
- Age - risk increases with age, though can occur at any age
What is the Process for Malignant Melanoma Treatment in Altrincham?
At Bollin Clinic, we provide comprehensive malignant melanoma treatment with a focus on accurate diagnosis, proper staging, and optimal treatment outcomes. Our experienced team follows established protocols to ensure the best possible care.
Consultation & Diagnosis
Your melanoma treatment journey begins with a thorough consultation where our specialist will perform a comprehensive skin examination using dermoscopy and other diagnostic tools. We may recommend a biopsy to confirm the diagnosis and determine the exact type and depth of the melanoma.
- Detailed medical history and risk factor assessment
- Full-body skin examination with dermoscopy
- Biopsy of suspicious lesions for histological diagnosis
- Staging assessment to determine extent of disease
- Discussion of treatment options and prognosis
Treatment Options
Malignant melanoma treatment in Altrincham is tailored to the stage and characteristics of your specific melanoma. Treatment options may include:
- Wide local excision with appropriate surgical margins
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy for staging purposes
- Mohs micrographic surgery for facial melanomas
- Reconstructive surgery for larger defects
- Referral for adjuvant therapy if indicated
- Regular follow-up surveillance and monitoring
Preparing For Your Melanoma Surgery
Before your malignant melanoma surgery, do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before the procedure. Understand exactly what surgery is planned, along with the risks, benefits, and alternative options. If you have any questions or concerns before surgery, please discuss them thoroughly with your doctor.
Post Operative Care
- Most people experience some pain after surgery, which typically improves as the wound heals
- Keep the surgical site clean and dry to prevent infection
- Follow wound care instructions precisely for optimal healing
- Recovery time varies but most patients heal within 1-2 weeks
- Avoid sun exposure and use broad-spectrum sunscreen
- Regular follow-up appointments for surveillance and monitoring
Our team provides comprehensive aftercare support and long-term surveillance to monitor for recurrence and ensure the best possible outcomes from your melanoma treatment in Altrincham.
When Should You Seek Urgent Treatment for Melanoma?
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Urgent Warning
Any new mole or existing mole showing rapid changes in size, shape, or color
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Urgent Warning
A mole that bleeds, itches, or becomes painful without trauma
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Urgent Warning
Irregular borders with pigment spreading to surrounding skin
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Urgent Warning
Multiple colors within the same lesion (brown, black, red, blue)
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Urgent Warning
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Urgent Warning
See our faqs
Malignant Melanoma Treatment – Your Questions Answered
How quickly does malignant melanoma spread?
Melanoma can grow very quickly and become life-threatening in as little as six weeks if left untreated. The speed of growth varies by type - nodular melanoma grows rapidly over weeks, while superficial spreading melanoma may develop over months to years. Early detection and treatment are crucial.
What does malignant melanoma look like?
Melanomas often appear as asymmetrical lesions with irregular borders, multiple colors, and diameters larger than 6mm. They may be brown, black, red, or even colorless. Any new mole or existing mole that changes in size, shape, color, or texture should be evaluated immediately by a specialist.
Is malignant melanoma always fatal?
No, melanoma is highly treatable when caught early. The 5-year survival rate for early-stage melanoma (Stage I) is over 95%. However, survival rates decrease significantly if the melanoma has spread to lymph nodes or other organs, which is why early detection and treatment are critical.
How is malignant melanoma diagnosed?
Melanoma diagnosis involves visual examination, dermoscopy, and biopsy of suspicious lesions. The biopsy tissue is examined under a microscope to confirm the diagnosis and determine the Breslow thickness, which helps stage the melanoma and guide treatment decisions.
What causes malignant melanoma to develop?
The primary cause is DNA damage from UV radiation exposure, whether from the sun or tanning beds. Risk factors include fair skin, history of sunburns, numerous moles, family history of melanoma, and weakened immune system. Some melanomas can develop in areas not exposed to sun.
What is the treatment for malignant melanoma?
Treatment depends on the stage but typically involves surgical excision with wide margins. Early-stage melanomas may only require surgery, while advanced cases might need additional treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or radiation. Sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed for staging.
How can I prevent malignant melanoma?
Prevention includes sun protection measures: using broad-spectrum SPF 30+ sunscreen, seeking shade during peak hours, wearing protective clothing and wide-brimmed hats, avoiding tanning beds, and performing regular self-examinations. Annual skin checks by a dermatologist are recommended for high-risk individuals.