Le skin melanoma is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Early identification is absolutely vital, because when detected at an early stage, it is curable in the majority of cases thanks tosurgical excision.
Contact a dermatologist surgeon ou plastic Specialized surgery is the essential approach, as it ensures both the complete removal of the lesion with the necessary safety margins and an aesthetic treatment of the scar.
1. What is melanoma of the skin?
Le melanoma is a skin cancer that develops from the melanocytesThe cells responsible for producing melanin (the pigment that gives color to skin and moles). It is less common than carcinomas (basal cell and squamous cell), but significantly more dangerous due to its potential for metastasis.
Who is at risk?
The main risk factors include:
- Excessive sun exposure and sunburn, particularly during childhood.
- Using tanning booths.
- Having a large number of moles (more than 50).
- A personal or family history of melanoma.
- People with fair skin.
2. How to identify a melanoma: the ABCDE rule
Early identification of the skin melanoma relies primarily on regular self-examination of the skin and knowledge of the ABCDE ruleThis method makes it possible to distinguish a normal mole (nevus) from a potentially malignant lesion.
A – Asymmetry
- Normal The mole is usually round and symmetrical.
- Suspect The lesion has an irregular shape; if you cut it in half, the halves are not identical.
B – Irregular Edges
- Normal The edges are clean and well-defined.
- Suspect : The outlines are jagged, scalloped, or poorly defined.
C – Non-Homogeneous Color (or Color Change)
- Normal : Uniform color (light brown, dark brown, black).
- Suspect : Presence of several colors (black, brown, red, blue, white, or even gray) or a rapid change in hue.
D – Diameter
- Normal : Generally less than 6 mm (size of a pencil eraser).
- Suspect The injury is often greater than 6 mmAlthough not absolute, it is a sign to monitor, especially if the lesion is growing.
E – Evolution
- Suspect : This is the most important criterion! The mole changes rapidly in appearance (size, thickness, color, shape) or presents symptoms: itching, bleeding, scabs or ulcerations.
If you identify a lesion that meets one or more of these criteria, an urgent dermatological consultation is essential.
3. Skin melanoma: what to do immediately?
If your dermatologist suspects melanoma, the procedure must be quick and rigorous.
Step 1: Dermatological Consultation (Diagnosis)
The dermatologist performs a clinical examination and uses a device called dermatoscope to examine the lesion in depth. If melanoma is strongly suspected, he will refer you to a specialist surgeon for removal.
Step 2: Surgical Excision (Treatment)
The surgical excision is the primary treatment for melanoma. It is performed by a qualified surgeon to ensure oncological efficacy and minimize scarring.
- The First Step (Diagnostic Excision) Initially, the lesion is removed with a small safety margin. This part is sent to anatomopathology to confirm the diagnosis of melanoma and, above all, to determine its thickness (Breslow index).
- The Second Step (Recovery and Safety Margin) The thickness of the melanoma (Breslow) dictates the margin of healthy skin that must be removed around the initial scar. This step is crucial to reduce the risk of local recurrence. The margin can range from 0,5 cm to 2 cm depending on the thickness.
- The Sentinel Lymph Node For thicker melanomas (generally greater than 0,8 or 1 mm), an examination of the sentinel lymph node (first lymph node draining the melanoma area) is often performed to check if the cancer has started to spread.
Step 3: Post-Treatment Follow-up
After the operation, follow-up is essential and must be rigorous:
- Dermatological Surveillance Regular comprehensive skin examinations are scheduled (every 3, 6 or 12 months) to detect any recurrence or the appearance of a new melanoma.
- Self-Examination Learn to examine your skin and lymph nodes yourself to quickly alert to any changes.
4. Why choose a specialist surgeon in Paris?
Entrusting the removal of a melanoma to an expert surgeon, particularly in Paris where the standards of skin surgery are high, is the best guarantee of success.
- Oncological Safety The surgeon has a perfect command of the protocols and excision margins required for each thickness of melanoma, guaranteeing the best result in terms of healing.
- Aesthetic Result Re-surgery for melanoma can leave a significant scar. Expertise in plastic surgery allows for the use of advanced closure techniques (flaps, fine sutures) to minimize the aesthetic impact, especially on visible areas such as the face or neck.
- Coordination Our center ensures close coordination between dermatology, surgery and anatomopathology, guaranteeing rapid care in accordance with national recommendations.
Le skin melanoma It is a serious condition, but vigilance and prompt treatment through surgical excision offer excellent chances of recovery. Never hesitate to consult a dermatologist if you have any doubts.
Do you have a skin lesion that worries you, or have you been referred by your dermatologist for excision? Make an appointment Contact our team in Paris today for an assessment and specialized care.