Melanoma
Melanoma is the most serious from the malignant skin tumours. Extended sun exposure, especially on white skin types, various genetic factors, family history and multiples other causes are responsible for developing a melanoma. It may appear anywhere on the human body, although it is more common to develop at regions that are more exposed to sun such as the face, upper and lower limbs, the back and the abdomen. Melanomas present in various types and sizes, may extend in different depths in the skin and metastasize to any lymph nodes of the human body.
Treatment of a melanoma is the surgical excision of the area and it local or general anaesthesia is required depending on the size of the tumour. When the melanoma is extended and the excision of skin and subcutaneous tissue is large, the plastic surgeon may use a variety of surgical flaps, cleverly designed on the nearby healthy areas, to achieve closure of the problematic skin region.
Postoperatively and according to the final pathology report, the plastic surgeon will decide with the specialist oncologist on additional therapies. Generally patients that are diagnosed and treated with melanomas need to regularly visit their plastic surgeon, oncologist and dermatologist for follow up examinations.
