Types of benign and malignant melanoma. Melanoma symptoms, causes, types, stages, diagnosis What is melanoma and how does it manifest

The diagnosis of melanoma often sounds like a death sentence, frightening not only the patient himself, but also his loved ones. It is no secret that the predisposition to the development of this type of malignant tumors is hereditary.

The success of treating this disease (as well as many others) greatly depends on the stage of development of the disease at which the diagnosis was made. This means that each of us needs to clearly understand how to recognize melanoma at the initial stage in order to prevent its dangerous growth.

What is melanoma

Melanoma is a type It is considered the most aggressive, since it actively metastasizes to all human organs with the flow of lymph. Moreover, the process can develop quite rapidly, literally in a matter of days, and even a minor injury can provoke it.

Melanoma is formed from melanin-producing skin pigment cells called melanocytes. It is diagnosed in 4% of cancer patients, but it is perhaps the only tumor whose development can be noticed at an early stage.

By the way, when thinking about how to recognize melanoma (a photo of which you can see in this article), remember that these neoplasms only in 30% of cases begin to develop from existing moles (nevi). And in 70% of cases it appears on the part of the skin where there were no spots. In addition, be aware that melanoma can also occur on the mucous membrane and even under the nails.

Factors that can trigger the development of melanoma

Speaking about how to recognize melanoma and what it is, first of all, it should be said that it is either a nodule or a spot that has a dark color (although there are also non-pigmented types) and an irregular shape.

Risk factors that can accelerate or provoke the development of melanoma include the following:

the effect of ultraviolet radiation on the skin (this applies to both sunlight and artificial sources - solariums or bactericidal lamps);
previously existing precedents for the occurrence of melanomas, both in the patient himself and in his close relatives;
the presence of a large number of moles on the human body (we are talking about fifty or more);
female;
old age (although melanomas also occur in young people);
red hair and a large number of quickly appearing freckles.

The first signs of melanoma

Additional signs that will tell you how to recognize melanoma will be changes that occur with the mole. If the nevus thickens, rises above the skin, increases in size and at the same time changes pigmentation, then it should be shown to a dermatologist.

Particularly obvious signs of a dangerous situation are redness of the tissue around the nevus, the appearance of cracks, crusty ulcers, and bleeding. In such cases, the mole causes concern - it itches or burns. In this case, the patient's lymph nodes may become enlarged.

How does melanoma grow?

Most often, melanoma develops on the lower extremities, torso and arms; in only 10% of patients it can occur on the head or neck.

The described tumor, as a rule, grows in three directions - into the deep layers of the skin, along its surface, or through the skin into nearby tissues. By the way, the deeper the tumor spreads, the worse the prognosis of specialists.

Answering questions about how to recognize melanoma and how it manifests itself, oncologists note its rapid metastasis and damage to nearby lymph nodes. It spreads not only through the skin, but also by hematogenous or, as already mentioned, lymphogenous route. By the way, hematogenous metastases have the ability to penetrate any organ, but most often they affect the kidneys, adrenal glands, liver, brain and lungs.

They look like peculiar small rashes that rise slightly above it and are brown or black in color.

How to recognize melanoma: signs and symptoms of disease development

The first sign that a person is developing melanoma at the site of a mole is, as a rule, changes that suddenly begin in it. Take a closer look at your birthmarks.

Ordinary moles are always symmetrical. If you mentally draw a line through their middle, then both halves of a normal mole will completely match in shape and size. Any violation of this symmetry should raise your suspicions.
Pay attention to the borders of the mole. If they are uneven, blurry, unclear, then it should be checked.
A change in the color of your tumor should also alert you. If the mole is colored in more than one color or has several shades, check it.
Symptoms of melanoma development include an increase in the size of the birthmark. Even if your spot has no other deviations (even color, clear boundaries, symmetrical shape), but its diameter exceeds 6 mm (this is about the same as the eraser on the tip of a pencil) - this can be considered alarming symptoms.

From the above, we can draw an unambiguous conclusion regarding how to recognize melanoma at an early stage. But you should remember that you don’t need to wait for all the listed symptoms - one of them is enough for you to have a serious reason to consult a dermatologist.

Once again about whether you should worry if a mole grows

All of the above signs of the development of the disease will probably make you look at your body with fear. But we also want to warn you that when thinking about how to recognize melanoma and not miss its symptoms, do not immediately start sounding the alarm as soon as you notice that the mole has enlarged. After all, an ordinary nevus can change, just as we change with age. It may be flat at first and then become convex - that's not a big deal. But if such changes occur, as they say, right before your eyes, you should not delay going to the doctor.

By the way, the presence of hairs on a mole confirms that it is healthy!

Diagnosis of the disease

And yet, if you have doubts about the condition of your mole, do not guess about how to recognize melanoma yourself, but consult a doctor. He will clarify the symptoms, find out all the risk factors, and conduct an examination.

Due to the fact that, as stated earlier, melanoma is very aggressive, and its development can be triggered by even a minor injury, an invasive method of examining it is highly undesirable (by this we mean scraping or histology, when not the entire formation is taken for analysis, but a small part of it) ). Therefore, most often the doctor performs an external examination of the nevus.

He will definitely check the condition of the lymph nodes under the arms, neck and groin, and will also conduct a radioisotope study, which uses phosphorus. Its increased accumulation in the tumor is used to determine the presence of melanoma.

It is also used in which, if there are ulcerations on the suspected melanoma, an imprint is taken from the surface of the tumor and then sent for analysis.

To determine the presence of metastases, ultrasound of internal organs, x-rays and tomography are also performed.

How is melanoma treated?

If the patient managed to contact an oncologist in time, then at an early stage of development the melanoma is simply excised. Depending on how deep it penetrates, a small amount of healthy skin is also removed. The doctor may also prescribe additional therapy in the form of medications that will help reduce the likelihood of relapse.

If damage to the lymph nodes is suspected, then after a biopsy of one of them and a positive result, they are supposed to be removed.

Immunotherapy has been proven to have significant benefits. This is a relatively new treatment method that is performed immediately after surgery to remove the tumor.

In the later stages of the development of the disease, they resort to radiation and chemotherapy, which, by the way, at the fourth stage of the development of a cancerous tumor turn out to be ineffective, allowing only to reduce it to some extent.

A few words in conclusion

In this article, we tried to talk in detail about how to recognize skin melanoma. The photos posted in it also probably helped you navigate the situation.

But finally, I would like to add that it is not at all necessary, upon discovering a birthmark of an unusual shape, to immediately fall into despair. Not every modified mole will turn out to be a cancerous neoplasm; it can be an atypical pigment spot or a benign dysplastic nevus.

But still, going to the doctor should not be postponed, since in this case it is better to be excessively vigilant, which can subsequently save not only your health, but also your life.

Until about 40 years ago, cutaneous melanoma was a relatively rare disease. However, in recent decades its frequency has increased significantly, and the annual growth rate is up to 5%. Why is melanoma dangerous?

Causes of development and risk factors

Melanoma is one of the types of skin malignant neoplasms that develops from pigment cells - melanocytes that produce melanins, and is characterized by an aggressive, often unpredictable and variable clinical course.

Its most common localization is the skin, much less often - the mucous membrane of the eyes, nasal cavity, mouth, larynx, skin of the external auditory canal, anus, and female external genitalia. This tumor is one of the most severe forms of cancer, disproportionately affecting young people (15-40 years of age), and ranking 6th among all malignant tumors in men and 2nd in women (after cervical cancer) .

It can develop independently, but more often it is “masked” against the background of birthmarks, which does not cause concern for people and creates significant difficulties for doctors in terms of its earliest possible diagnosis. The way this neoplasm develops quickly and is difficult to detect in the initial stages is another danger that often interferes with timely diagnosis. Within 1 year it spreads (metastasizes) to the lymph nodes, and soon through the lymphatic and blood vessels, to almost all organs - bones, brain, liver, lungs.

Video: The simplest test for skin cancer

Causes

The main modern theory of the occurrence and mechanism of development of melanoma is molecular genetic. In accordance with it, in normal cells DNA damage occurs in the form of gene mutations, changes in the number of genes, chromosomal rearrangements (aberrations), violations of chromosomal integrity, and the DNA enzyme system. Such cells become capable of tumor growth, unlimited reproduction and rapid metastasis.

Such disorders are caused or provoked by damaging risk factors of an exogenous or endogenous nature, as well as their combined effects.

Exogenous risk factors

These include chemical, physical or biological environmental agents that have a direct effect on the skin.

Physical risk factors:

Ultraviolet spectrum of solar radiation. Its connection with the occurrence of melanoma is paradoxical: the latter occurs mainly in areas of the body covered by clothing. This indicates the development of the neoplasm not so much as a result of the direct, but rather the indirect effect of ultraviolet radiation on the body as a whole. In addition, it is not so much the duration that matters, but the intensity of irradiation. In recent years, the scientific literature has drawn attention to the particularly high danger of sunburn - even those received in childhood and adolescence, in older age they can play a significant role in the development of the disease.
Increased background of ionizing radiation.
Electromagnetic radiation - tumor occurs more often among people professionally associated with telecommunications equipment and the electronics industry.
Mechanical trauma to birthmarks, regardless of its frequency, is a high risk. It is not entirely clear whether it is the cause or the trigger, but this factor accompanies 30-85% of melanoma cases.

Chemical factors

They are important mainly among those working in the petrochemical, coal or pharmaceutical industries, as well as in the production of rubber, plastics, vinyl and polyvinyl chloride, and aromatic dyes.

Of the biological factors, the most important are:

Nutritional features. A high level of daily consumption of proteins and fats of animal origin, low consumption of fresh fruits and vegetables with a high content of vitamins “A” and “C” and some other bioactive substances are a risk in terms of the development of superficial spreading and nodular (nodular) forms of melanoma, and also tumors of unclassified growth type.
With regard to the systematic consumption of alcoholic beverages, it is theoretically assumed that they can provoke the growth of melanomas, but there is no practical evidence of this. It has been precisely proven that there is no connection between the consumption of drinks containing caffeine (strong tea, coffee) and malignant neoplasms. Therefore, nutrition for skin melanoma should be balanced mainly with products of plant origin, especially fruits and vegetables, and contain a rich amount of vitamins and antioxidants (blueberries, green tea, apricots, etc.).
Taking oral contraceptives, as well as estrogen drugs prescribed for the treatment of menstrual irregularities and autonomic disorders accompanying menopause. Their influence on the development of melanoma remains only a guess, since no clear relationship can be traced.

Video: How melanoma develops

Endogenous risk factors

They are divided into two groups, one of which consists of factors that are a biological feature of the organism:

low degree of pigmentation - white skin, blue and light eyes, red or blond hair, a large number of freckles, especially pink ones, or a tendency to have them;
hereditary (family) predisposition - what matters is mainly the disease of melanoma in the parents; the risk increases if the mother was ill or there were more than two people with melanoma in the family;
anthropometric data - a higher risk of its development in people with a skin area of more than 1.86 m2;
endocrine disorders - high levels of sex hormones, especially estrogens, and melanostimulating hormone (melatonin), produced in the middle and intermediate lobes of the pituitary gland; the decrease in their production after the age of 50 coincides with a decrease in the incidence of melanoma, although some authors, on the contrary, indicate an increase in its frequency in older age;
immunodeficiency states;
pregnancy and lactation, which stimulate the transformation of pigmented nevi into melanoma; this is typical mainly for women with a late first pregnancy (after the age of 31), and pregnancy with a large fetus.

The second group is nevi, which are skin changes of a pathological nature and are characterized by the highest degree of probability of degeneration into melanoma, and are also its predecessors. These are benign formations consisting of pigment cells (melanocytes) of varying degrees of maturity (differentiation), located in varying numbers in different layers of the skin. A congenital nevus is called a birthmark, but in everyday life all formations of this type (congenital and acquired) are called birthmarks. The greatest risks are:

black or dark brown pigmented nevi measuring 15 mm or more;
the presence of 50 or more of these formations of any size;
Dubreuil's melanosis - is a small brown spot with irregular contours that slowly increases over the years, which is usually localized on the face, hands, on the skin of the chest, and less often on the mucous membrane of the oral cavity;
cutaneous xeroderma pigmentosa, characterized by high sensitivity to sunlight; this is a hereditary disease that is passed on to children only if there are specific DNA changes in both parents; These changes result in cells being unable to recover from damage from ultraviolet radiation.

How to distinguish a mole from melanoma?

The actual incidence of the latter from nevus has not been clarified. The types of nevus with the highest risk have been established: complex type - 45%, borderline - 34%, intradermal - 16%, blue nevus - 3.2%; giant pigmented - 2-13%. In this case, congenital formations account for 70%, acquired - 30%.

Melanoma symptoms

At the initial stages of the development of a malignant tumor on healthy skin, and even more so against the background of a nevus, there are few obvious visual differences between them. Benign birthmarks are characterized by:

Symmetrical shape.
Smooth, even outlines.
Uniform pigmentation, giving the formation a color ranging from yellow to brown and even sometimes black.
A flat surface that is flush with the surface of the surrounding skin or slightly evenly raised above it.
No increase in size or slight growth over a long period of time.

Each “birthmark” goes through the following stages of development:

Borderline nevus, which is a spotty formation, the nests of cells of which are located in the epidermal layer.
Mixed nevus - cell nests migrate into the dermis over the entire area of the spot; clinically, such an element is a papular formation.
Intradermal nevus - the formation cells completely disappear from the epidermal layer and remain only in the dermis; gradually the formation loses pigmentation and undergoes reverse development (involution).

What does melanoma look like?

It may take the form of a flat pigmented or non-pigmented spot with a slight elevation, round, polygonal, oval or irregular in shape with a diameter of more than 6 mm. It can maintain a smooth shiny surface for a long time, on which small ulcerations, unevenness, and bleeding subsequently occur with minor trauma.

Pigmentation is often uneven, but more intense in the central part, sometimes with a characteristic rim of black color around the base. The color of the entire neoplasm can be brown, black with a bluish tint, purple, variegated in the form of individual unevenly distributed spots.

In some cases, it takes on the appearance of overgrown papillomas, resembling a “cauliflower”, or the shape of a mushroom on a wide base or on a stalk. Near the melanoma, additional separate lesions (“satellites”) sometimes appear or merge with the main tumor. Occasionally, the tumor manifests itself as limited redness, which turns into a permanent ulcer, the bottom of which is filled with growths. When developing against the background of a birthmark, a malignant tumor can develop on its periphery, forming an asymmetric formation.

A sufficient understanding of the population about the initial signs of melanoma greatly contributes to its timely (in the initial stages) and effective treatment.

Video: How to recognize melanoma?

Stages of development of a malignant tumor:

Initial, or local (in situ), limited;
I - melanoma 1 mm thick with a damaged surface (ulceration) or 2 mm - with an intact surface;
II - thickness up to 2 mm with a damaged surface or more than 2 mm (up to 4 mm) with a smooth surface;
III - a tumor with any surface and thickness, but with nearby foci or metastases to at least one “duty” (closely located) lymph node;
IV - tumor growth into underlying tissues, distant skin areas, metastases to distant lymph nodes, lungs or other organs - brain, bones, liver, etc.

Knowledge of reliable and significant symptoms of the transition of benign formations to an active state is of great importance. How to recognize a malignant formation and the moment of transformation of a birthmark into it? Early signs are as follows:

An increase in the planar dimensions of a previously unchanged or very slowly enlarging mole, or the rapid growth of a newly emerging nevus.
Changing the shape or outline of a pre-existing formation. The appearance of compactions or asymmetry of contours in any part of it.
Change in color or disappearance of uniform coloring of an existing or acquired birthmark.
Change in intensity (increase or decrease) of pigmentation.
The appearance of unusual sensations - itching, tingling, burning, “bloating.”
The appearance of redness around the birthmark in the form of a corolla.
Disappearance of hair from the surface of the formation, if any, disappearance of the skin pattern.
The appearance of cracks, peeling and bleeding with minor injuries (light friction with clothing) or even without them, as well as growths of the type.

The presence of one of these symptoms, and even more so their combination, is a reason for the patient to contact a specialized oncological treatment and prevention institution to carry out differential diagnosis and decide on how to treat melanoma, which depends on its type and stage of development.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of a malignant tumor is carried out mainly through:

Familiarization with the patient’s complaints, clarification of the nature of changes in the “suspicious” formation, its visual examination, examination of the entire patient in order to count the number of birthmarks, identify those that are different among them and further study them.
Conducting general clinical examinations of blood and urine.
, which makes it possible to examine the neoplasm in the skin layers, magnified several tens of times (from 10 to 40), and make a fairly accurate conclusion about its nature and boundaries according to the relevant diagnostic criteria.
Ultrasound examination of the abdominal organs, computed and magnetic resonance imaging of the spinal cord and brain, radiography of the chest organs, allowing to determine the spread and presence of metastases in other organs.
Cytological examination of a smear (in the presence of ulcerations) and/or material obtained by puncture of a lymph node (in rare cases). Sometimes examination of punctate from an enlarged lymph node allows one to diagnose the presence of the disease in the apparent absence of a primary tumor.
Excisional biopsy, the meaning of which is to excise a formation “suspicious” of a malignant tumor (within 0.2-1 cm outward from the edges) followed by urgent histological examination. If the diagnosis of melanoma is confirmed, further radical removal is immediately carried out. Such a diagnosis is carried out in cases where all other results of preliminary studies remain doubtful.

Some types of melanomas

There are many types of melanoma, depending on the cellular composition and growth pattern. This classification is explained by the fact that different forms have different tendencies to local spread and rate of metastasis. It allows the oncologist to navigate the choice of treatment tactics.

Achromatic or non-pigmented melanoma

It is found much less frequently than other species and is difficult to diagnose due to the fact that it has the color of normal skin and is noticed by patients already in the later stages of development. Its formation begins with a small compaction, which, as it grows, becomes covered with fine lamellar epithelial scales and acquires a rough surface.

Sometimes this neoplasm has the appearance of a scar with uneven edges, sometimes scalloped, pink or whitish in color. The appearance of an inflammatory corolla is accompanied by swelling, itching, sometimes hair loss and ulcers. Can non-pigmented melanoma be cured? This form of the disease is very dangerous due to its late detection, tendency to aggressive growth and very rapid metastasis in the early stages. Therefore, at stage I, effective treatment is still possible; at later stages of the disease, even after intensive radical treatment, tumor relapse or metastases develop.

Spindle cell melanoma

It received this name due to the characteristic shape of the cells, determined by histological or cytological examination. They look like a spindle and are located separately from each other. Intertwined with cytoplasmic processes of various lengths, which sometimes extend over considerable distances, tumor cells form strands, clusters, and bundles.

The shape of the nuclei and their number in different cells are not the same: there may be cells with two or more elongated, oval, round nuclei. Melanin is concentrated mainly in the processes, due to which they acquire a granular, speckled appearance, which distinguishes them from a sarcoma or tumor of nervous tissue (neurinoma).

Due to the significant similarity with the cells of moles, cytological diagnosis often presents considerable difficulties.

Nodular or nodular melanoma

Among those diagnosed, it ranks 2nd and ranges from 15 to 30%. It occurs more often after the age of 50 on any part of the body, but usually on the lower extremities in women and on the torso in men, often against the background of a nevus. Due to vertical growth, it is one of the most aggressive and is characterized by a rapid course - 0.5-1.5 years.

This tumor has an oval or round shape and by the time the patient consults a doctor, as a rule, it has already taken on the appearance of a plaque with clear boundaries and raised edges, black or unusually blue-black in color. Sometimes nodular melanoma reaches a significant size or has the form of a polyp with a hyperkeratotic or ulcerating surface.

Subungual melanoma

A form of acral-lentiginous tumor affecting the skin of the palms and soles. It accounts for 8-15% of all melanomas and is most often localized on the first finger or toe. The tumor often lacks a radial growth phase, making diagnosis in the early stages difficult. Over the course of 1-2 years, it spreads to the nail matrix and part or all of the nail plate, which becomes brown or black in color. The appearing papules and nodes are often devoid of pigment, so the disease initially does not attract the attention of the patient and lasts for months. Subsequently, ulcerations and mushroom-type growths occur.

Melanoma metastases

Melanoma is a malignant tumor of the skin, mucous membranes and uveal tract (choroid) of the eye. It grows from pigment cells of the skin, the so-called melanocytes, has a high tendency to early metastasis and low sensitivity to treatment.

There are several types of the disease, each of which has its own symptoms, dynamics of development and prognosis.

Localization and prevalence

More than 90 percent of all melanomas develop on the skin, but this type of cancer can attack any tissue where there are melanocytes (pigment cells) - the eyes, the mucous membrane of the genitals, mouth, larynx, esophagus, intestines, stomach. Most often it occurs at the site of age spots and moles (nevi), but it can also develop on unchanged skin.

Melanoma is a very common problem. It accounts for 5%-7% of all human malignant skin tumors. About 130,000 cases of the disease are diagnosed annually. Most patients are Caucasians living in countries with high solar activity. The peak incidence occurs in the seventh and eighth decades of life; people under the age of 40 practically do not suffer from it.

Causes

The main factor causing malignant melanoma is UV radiation. Melanocytes, like most cells in the human body, contain genetic material in the form of DNA. Under the influence of negative factors, DNA undergoes irreversible damage (mutation). Under normal conditions, when mutations are detected, the mechanism of death of pathological cells (apoptosis) is triggered. However, if the genes responsible for this mechanism are damaged, the mutated cells do not die, but continue to divide. Normal melanocytes, present in the tissues of every healthy person, degenerate into cancerous melanocytes.
A person with fair skin, blue eyes, and blond or red hair is predisposed to this process. However, there are other provoking factors:

prolonged exposure to sunlight - sunburn is especially dangerous at a young age. The use of a solarium also causes enormous harm;
the patient's individual sensitivity to sunlight;
the presence of numerous age spots and moles;
xeroderma pigmentosum (hereditary disorder associated with the functioning of pigments);
conditions accompanied by decreased immunity - chronic use of immunosuppressive drugs in patients after organ transplantation, use of glucocorticoids by carriers of the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), congenital immunodeficiency;
genetic factors (scientists have identified a family predisposition to this cancer);
hormonal factors - puberty, pregnancy and childbirth, long-term use of oral contraceptives and hormone replacement therapy.

Varieties

There are 5 main types of skin melanomas:

lentiginous - a relatively mild type, which is localized mainly on the face and other open areas of the body, often in contact with sunlight; develops slowly over many years, has a favorable prognosis;
acrolentigiosus - a rare form that is located on the tips of the fingers and toes, develops slowly and can completely destroy the nail plate on the affected finger;
superficial spreading is the most common type of cancer that develops from pigmented moles, including atypical ones (that is, those that have shown a predisposition to oncology on microscopic examination). Neoplasms often occur in the middle and lower parts of the body (trunk and lower extremities) and develop relatively slowly;
nodular - a rare dangerous variety that is usually localized in the head, neck and back. The nodular form shows rapid growth and an abundance of metastases;
achromatic (pigmentless) is the most dangerous of all types of melanoma. It is characterized by a reduction in melanin production in cancer cells.

As for tumors of other organs, the following are found in medicine:

retinal melanoma;
lentiginous melanoma of the mucous membranes (vagina, anus, nasopharynx);
malignant soft tissue melanoma (localized on ligaments and aponeuroses).

Symptoms and stages

The tumor grows either on the site of an existing mole or on unchanged skin. Here are some features of malignant neoplasms:

change in the shape of the spot - the more it is characterized by asymmetry, the stronger the suspicion of cancer development;
uneven edges;
itching and burning;
uneven or atypical color - new, previously unnoticed areas with black, blue, brown, red or pink spots with possible inclusions of other colors;
an increase in the size of the changes - nevi with a diameter of more than 6 mm, or rapidly growing spots should be alerted;
the appearance of a red or pink rim around inflammatory changes - this indicates the activity of immune cells and the development of a local inflammatory reaction in response to contact with foreign antigens (derived from cancer cells);
the tumor and surrounding tissue may swell or harden.

There are 5 stages of melanoma, depending on the depth of its germination:

stage I - pathological cells affect only the upper layer (epidermis);
stage II – the papillary layer of the dermis is affected;
stage III: cancer has reached the border between the papillary and reticular layers;
stage IV: the reticular layer is affected;
stage V: changes have reached the fatty tissue.

In the last stages, the changes become covered with ulcers, from which serous-bloody contents flow.
Melanoma metastasizes to the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones. In this case, symptoms of damaged organs appear:

enlarged and painful lymph nodes;
hemoptysis, shortness of breath, symptoms of pneumonia;
gastrointestinal bleeding, bleeding disorders, swelling of the lower extremities, fluid in the abdominal cavity;
headache, nausea, vomiting, temporary disturbance of consciousness;
bone pain, frequent fractures.

It should be noted that each of the above general symptoms may indicate other nosological problems.

Diagnostics

The most important element of diagnosis is self-examination of the body - if you notice one of the signs described above, tell your doctor. Early diagnosis is the key to successful treatment.

The specialist makes a preliminary assessment using a dermatoscope, an optical device through which deep changes in the mole can be seen. If there is a suspicion of malignancy, the doctor excises the entire tumor with a reserve of healthy skin, and sends part of the tissue for histopathological examination. This test allows you to determine the type and severity of the disease.

Since melanoma initially metastasizes only to the lymph nodes, the doctor will definitely prescribe an ultrasound of the regional absorption zone (closely located lymph nodes). It will show whether there are metastases. When the study does not give a clear answer, the doctor removes the so-called sentinel lymph node - the first lymph node along the path of the lymphatic vessels coming from the tumor.

At advanced stages of the disease, tests of internal organs are prescribed to assess the extent of their damage.

Treatment

Doctors use 3 main methods: surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy. In the early stages, you can only get by with surgical resection (removal of pathological tissue with a reserve of healthy skin). This is done traditionally or laser. The surrounding lymph nodes must be removed.

In later stages and in the presence of metastases, chemotherapy is prescribed. This is the main method of treatment when there is diffuse growth that cannot be resected. For extensive and multiple metastases, treatment is limited only to alleviating symptoms and supporting the affected internal organs - painkillers (potent analgesics, morphine and its derivatives), metoclopramide, diuretics, and diet are prescribed.

For lesions located on the extremities, a special type of chemotherapy is used - isolated perfusion. It involves the injection of high doses of a cytostatic into the artery while heating the extremities to 41/42 ºC. These two factors interact with each other, destroying mutated cells.

Radiation therapy is usually used in extreme cases, when there is no consent for treatment or when surgery is not possible.

In recent years, there have been breakthroughs in the treatment of melanoma. Scientists have identified a relationship between the BRAF gene mutation and disease progression. Such knowledge has helped develop molecularly targeted therapies that work by blocking the abnormal protein encoded by the mutated BRAF gene. This gene is present in more than half of melanoma patients. The effect of the new drug (vemurafenib) is that it blocks access to tumor cells - they do not receive nutrition, as a result of which they die (the tumor stops growing). This therapy is effective in 90% of patients.

Folk remedies

Naturopaths recommend treating growing moles with the juice of celandine, milkweed, Kalanchoe, oleoresin, or even burning them with matches. However, these techniques cause skepticism among doctors. Oncological diseases require immediate medical action, so it is better not to risk your own life and trust in the hands of a competent specialist.

Traditional medicine will be useful during rehabilitation after chemotherapy. Regular intake of teas made from rose hips, chamomile, lemon balm, prickly tartar and echinacea will help to quickly restore immunity and strengthen the body as a whole.

Prognosis and complications

If the disease is detected at an early stage, the chances of recovery are very high (95% of patients live longer than five years). The third and fourth stages are successfully healed in 40-60% of cases, but the chance of treating the fifth stage is only 25%. The most favorable prognosis is for lentiginous and superficially spreading varieties. The most dangerous forms are nodular and achromatic, as well as neoplasms that develop during pregnancy and childbirth. Thus, prevention and early diagnosis play an extremely important role in the fight against melanoma.

Death occurs as a result of complications caused by metastases (liver failure, respiratory arrest, internal hemorrhage, etc.).

Prevention

Prevention includes:

safe tanning (it is prohibited to stay on the beach between 10:00 and 15:00);
use of sunscreens;
regular examination of the skin to identify suspicious elements;
regular visits to a dermatologist (every six months).

Prevention is especially important for people who have many nevi on their bodies.

Photo

Those who have many moles on their body should wash only with a soft sponge, not a hard washcloth, and especially not rub their back with a brush. Moles that protrude above the surface of the skin are best washed carefully by hand.

MELANOMA- a malignant human tumor that develops from epidermal pigment cells (melanocytes) of both normal skin and birthmarks (nevi). Melanoma makes up about 13% of skin cancers. The cause of melanoma has not been established.

Currently, there is a gradual spread of melanoma among young people and predominantly affects women. Melanoma can occur anywhere. Primary tumors most often appear on the trunk in men and on the lower extremities in women. The tumor usually grows in three directions: above the skin, along its surface and deep, successively growing through the layers of the skin and underlying tissue. The deeper the strands of tumor cells spread, the greater the likelihood of complications. In some cases, the tumor can metastasize through the lymphogenous and hematogenous route. Tumor cells, spreading through the lymphatic vessels, form the first metastases in the regional lymph nodes. Metastasis to the liver, lungs, bones, and brain can occur through the hematogenous route (through blood vessels).

Signs of melanoma may include:

Change in color (decrease or sharp increase in pigmentation - up to black).

Uneven coloring, disturbance or complete absence of skin pattern in the area of the nevus, peeling.

The appearance of an inflammatory areola around the mole (redness in the form of a corolla).

Changing the configuration along the periphery, “blurring” the contour of the nevus.

Increase in the size of the nevus and its compaction.

The appearance at the base of the nevus of nodular small papillomatous elements with foci of necrosis.

Itching, burning, tingling and tension in the mole area;

The appearance of cracks, ulcerations, bleeding.

Thus, if a dark, fast-growing formation of irregular shape appears on the skin, or if there is a change in the structure of one of the pigment formations that previously existed, it is necessary to seek advice from dermatologist-oncologist or surgeon-oncologist. Early stage and superficial melanomas usually respond well to treatment. However, sometimes in practice one has to deal with a common process complicated by metastatic damage to internal organs. In such cases, it is necessary to resort to combined treatment, including extensive surgery and long courses of chemotherapy and immunotherapy.

Self-examination easy to do:

Draw an axis mentally through the center of the mole. Normal moles are “divided” into equal halves. Asymmetry is a danger signal.

Examine the contours of the mole - with malignant degeneration, the edges become jagged.

Check to see if the mole changes color: there are no inclusions or veins.

Monitor the size of “suspicious” (especially large moles). Periodically measure their diameter with a ruler and record the readings.

Control any changes: size, volume, texture. If a mole suddenly begins to bleed or becomes painful, consult a doctor immediately!

Once a year, a “technical examination” by an oncodermatologist should also be done by those who have many moles and if they are large. It is advisable to see a doctor even after vacationing in hot regions.

Most often, the degeneration of moles is provoked by insolation (stay in the sun). It is useless to protect moles from the ubiquitous sun's rays with a towel, a Panama hat, and even more so by covering them with a band-aid - the greenhouse effect deals a double blow. Solarium is no less dangerous; it is absolutely contraindicated for those who have many moles on their body.

Comparison of ordinary moles and malignant ones:

Melanoma comes in different shapes, colors and sizes

and can be placed anywhere

And, as you know, a disease is easier to prevent than to treat.

1. Get regular examinations from a dermatologist (if you have regular moles - once a year, if atypical nevi are identified - on the doctor’s recommendation)

2. Do not injure moles and papillomas, do not try to get rid of formations on the skin yourself, since any irritating factor can provoke the growth of tumor cells on a predisposed background.

3. Follow a sun exposure regime (regardless of your skin phototype, time in the open sun is allowed before 10 a.m. and after 5 p.m. using sunscreen).

4. Do not overuse the solarium. Just 20 minutes of tanning in a solarium is equivalent to approximately 4 hours of sun exposure. In the absence of medical contraindications, it is recommended to sunbathe no more than once a week, being sure to protect your eyes, hair and mammary glands.

Cotton clothing blocks the sun's rays by only 20%. Polyester provides the greatest protection from the sun. Darker clothing provides better protection from the sun's rays than light-colored clothing, and knitted clothing provides better protection than fabric clothing. Two-layer materials almost double their protective properties, while for wet fabric they are reduced by a third. In hot weather, it is better to wear loose clothing made of thick fabric. The folds of such clothing provide a double layer of material, almost doubling its sun protection capabilities. But the best protection from the bright sun is to stay in the shade.

Main risk factors for melanoma– this is light skin (I - II phototypes), a tendency to freckles, numerous moles, melanoma in close relatives, severe sunburn suffered in childhood (one or more), age (over 30 years), exposure to strong solar radiation for many years, changes in the structure of nevi.

If a dark, fast-growing formation of irregular shape appears on the skin, or if there is a change in the structure of one of the pigment formations that previously existed, you should seek advice from dermatologist-oncologist or surgeon-oncologist. Early stage and superficial melanomas usually respond well to treatment.

P.S. a real example of dealing with this problem can be seen in.

MELANOMA

Melanoma is a malignant tumor(cancer) originating from epithelial cells of the skin. Melanoma is the most aggressive of all known malignant tumors; it quickly forms metastases, after which it is considered practically incurable.

At the same time, it is easier to prevent the development of melanoma than other types of cancer. To do this, you just need to carefully monitor moles and age spots on the skin and know what signs you can use to identify melanoma. What is melanoma, which groups of people are at risk of developing this type of skin cancer, and how can melanoma be recognized in the early stages of its development?

What is melanoma

Melanoma is a particularly aggressive type of skin cancer. Typically, melanoma originates from skin cells that produce the pigment that colors tanned skin, birthmarks, or freckles. These cells are called melanocytes, hence the name melanoma.

The incidence of melanoma is about 8 cases per 100 thousand population among men and about 12 cases per 100 thousand population among women. Unlike other forms of cancer (malignant diseases), melanoma most often affects young people (15-40 years old). In the structure of mortality from cancer among women, melanoma ranks second (in first place is cervical cancer), and among men - sixth (after lung cancer, prostate cancer, stomach cancer, colon cancer, pancreatic cancer).

Is melanoma dangerous?

Melanoma is the most aggressive form of cancer known today. This tumor quickly metastasizes (even at very small sizes) which within a few months can affect the main vital organs (brain, lungs, bones). Once metastases are detected, melanoma is considered virtually incurable.

How does melanoma form?

The source of melanoma development are pigment cells that synthesize the biological pigment melanin, which colors the skin and age spots on the skin. There are a lot of such cells (melanocytes) in birthmarks, freckles, and nevi. For early diagnosis of melanoma, it is very important to know the characteristics of the structure and all pigment formations of the skin. Very often, when visiting a doctor, it turns out that the patient does not know what a healthy mole should look like and how it differs from an atypical nevus or a malignant melanoma tumor. Below we give brief descriptions of skin pigment formations:

Freckles– pigment spots of small size, usually round or oval in shape, not protruding above the surface of the skin. Most often, freckles cover the skin of the face, but they can appear on almost the entire surface of the skin. Freckles fade in winter and reappear in spring and summer.

Moles(birthmarks, nevi) - medium-sized pigmented formations (up to 1 cm in diameter), usually dark and evenly colored; however, lightly colored flesh-colored moles are also found. The surface of the mole may only rise slightly above the surface of the skin. The edges of moles are smooth.

Atypical nevi– large pigmented skin formations with uneven edges and uneven coloring. Some atypical nevi can be considered precancerous formations.

Malignant melanoma– a pigmented skin formation that arises from moles or on “clean skin” with uneven edges, a bumpy surface, and uneven color of varying intensity. The edges of melanoma are often surrounded by an inflammatory rim (a bright red stripe).

By what signs can you distinguish melanoma?

Nowadays, to diagnose melanoma, as a form of skin cancer, a number of criteria are used that make it possible to distinguish melanoma from other pigmented skin formations or from benign skin tumors.

The main features that distinguish melanoma This:

1. Rapid growth of a new mole or the beginning of rapid growth of an old mole that has remained unchanged until now.

2. A change in the contour line of an old mole (uneven, broken edges) or the appearance of a new mole with fuzzy edges.

3. Uneven coloring (various shades of brown, black blotches, colorless areas) of a new fast-growing mole, or the appearance of these signs in an old mole.

Additional signs for diagnosing melanoma This:

An increase in the size of the mole is more than 7 mm;

The appearance of a zone of inflammation along the edges of pigmented skin formations;

Bleeding and itching of pigmented skin formations.

When diagnosing melanoma, it is important to take into account the fact that in men this tumor is most often located on the back, and in women on the lower leg. Regardless, all areas of the skin should be checked, including the scalp and nail beds (melanoma may appear as a black spot under the nail).

If these signs are detected, you should immediately consult a dermatologist. The earlier melanoma is detected, the greater the chance of successful treatment.

Types of melanomas .

From a clinical point of view, there are several types of melanoma:

Superficial melanoma This is the most common type of skin cancer. Superficial melanoma is located in the upper layers of the skin, and its surface does not protrude much above the surface of healthy skin. This type of melanoma is most easily confused with a regular mole or an atypical nevus.

Nodular melanoma occurs in a quarter of all patients with melanoma. This is the most aggressive form of skin cancer. Nodular melanoma has the appearance of a dark-colored nodule of various sizes, raised above the surface of the skin.

Lentigo melanoma– found on the head and neck of older people. The surface of this tumor is slightly raised above the surface of the skin.

Subungual melanoma occurs in every tenth patient with melanoma. Most often, the tumor forms under the nails of the big toes.

What is the Breslow index?

The Breslow index (Breslow thickness) determines the thickness to which melanoma cells have penetrated deep into the skin. The Breslow index is determined during histological examination of a tissue sample taken from the suspected tumor. If the Breslow index value is less than 0.5 mm, then the tumor is not malignant and it is not necessary to remove the pigment spot. If the Breslow index is more than 0.5 mm, the patient must be referred to a dermatologist for removal of the formation.

Who is at risk of getting melanoma?

There is now a proven connection between various types of skin cancer and solar radiation. This principle also applies to melanoma. Solar radiation is the main cause of the development of this type of tumor. In some people, however, the sensitivity of the skin to solar radiation is higher due to the presence of certain predisposing factors: a large number of freckles on the body, the presence of benign skin tumors, the presence of atypical nevi, light skin sensitive to the sun, working in open sunlight.

How to protect yourself from melanoma?

Because melanoma is extremely dangerous, people who are at high risk of developing the disease (such as people who spend a lot of time outdoors) are advised to take certain precautions to prevent melanoma and other skin cancers. To protect yourself from skin cancer:

Try to limit your time in the sun as much as possible, especially during lunch hours. If sun exposure is unavoidable, protect exposed skin from direct sunlight: wear a long-sleeved T-shirt, a wide-brimmed hat, and pants.

When exposed to direct sunlight, be sure to use sunscreen. The protection factor of the cream must be at least 15.

Learn all the major and minor signs of melanoma and, if possible, discuss them with your doctor. Make sure you know exactly what melanoma can look like and how to distinguish it from a regular mole.

Check the entire surface of your skin regularly. Your back and scalp should be examined by a friend or relative.

Consult a doctor if you notice any skin element that makes you suspicious.

Melanoma and other skin cancers

In addition to melanoma, there are other types of skin cancer (squamous cell skin cancer, basal cell carcinoma), however, unlike melanoma, they are much less aggressive and are more treatable.

Basal cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma of the skin appears as a long-term non-healing crack or wound, which is usually located on the face, neck, or back of the hand.

Treatment of melanoma and other skin cancers

The type of treatment for melanoma and its effectiveness depends on the stage of its development. The earlier melanoma is detected, the greater the chance of a full recovery. If the diagnosis of melanoma or another form of skin cancer is confirmed, surgical removal of the tumor is performed. Usually the operation is performed under local anesthesia. The surgical intervention itself does not pose any danger to the patient.

In some cases, surgical treatment is combined with radiotherapy and chemotherapy. The appearance of metastases significantly reduces the patient’s chances of survival, however, recently there have been reports of the invention of new ways to combat cancer, in particular melanoma, for example, using monoclonal antibodies that can defeat the disease even at the stage of metastasis.

Bibliography:

1. Anisimov V.V. Skin melanoma, Russian Academy of Sciences, Institute of Oncology named after N.N. Petrov St. Petersburg. : Science, 1995-

2. G.K. Pavlovna Malignant melanoma and previous skin changes, Nauk.dumka, 1991

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TREATMENT of melanomas

Melanoma (melanoblastoma) is a malignant pigmented tumor that is characterized by great diversity and aggressive growth. In most cases, the problem begins with a mole (nevus), which, under the influence of the sun, radiation, injury and other irritating factors, begins to grow and change. Signs of a mole degenerating into a malignant tumor include: hair loss and disappearance of the skin pattern on its surface, peeling, inflammation, change in color and contour, burning, itching, weeping. The occurrence of small nodular elements with necrosis nodules at the base of the nevus is especially dangerous.

It is necessary to regularly examine suspicious moles, especially large ones (10-15 mm) that are dark brown or black in color. Congenital nevi often degenerate into cancer and are much more dangerous than acquired ones. If such changes are detected, you should immediately consult a doctor. If there is an ulcerated surface of the tumor, only impression smears are taken for cytological examination. If the rotting nevus is covered with crusts, then you can apply a napkin with lard on top until a smear is taken. When you remove the napkin in the place with pork fat, the outer crusts are easily removed. Taking a biopsy and curettage (scraping) of a nevus with intact skin is strictly contraindicated!

Treatment

The main method of treating melanoma is wide excision of the tumor, 1.5–3 cm from the edge of the tumor. They try to perform the operation under general anesthesia, since local anesthesia can promote tumor growth and metastasis. The determining factor in the prognosis of tumor treatment is not only the enlargement of the lymph nodes, but also the degree of their penetration. There are five stages of invasion (penetration), with 4 and 5 considered the most dangerous in terms of the spread of the disease, because in this case, the growth in depth can reach 4 mm or more. In older people, the primary tumor more often ulcerates, and non-pigmented or weakly pigmented melanomas of the skin, bright red or pink in color, can also form. These types of tumors, as well as tumors with ulcerations, are considered very aggressive and have a poor prognosis. Therefore, older people need to protect their face and feet from the sun, i.e. places where melanomas are more likely to occur after 60 years of age and older.

To dry reduce inflammation and ulceration of the tumor at the initial stage, in the first days you can apply the mole externally apply yarrow and plantain leaves (1:1) and juice from these leaves.

It is better to apply the leaves for 3-4 hours, then you should replace the raw material with fresh ones, without heavily bandaging the sore spot.

The best therapeutic results are obtained with a complex ointment.

Mix in a glass jar: 3 parts crushed poplar buds, 2 parts crushed pomegranate peels, 3 parts incense powder, 2 parts finely ground madder root, 2 parts hot red pepper (chili) powder. Pour 70% alcohol on top so that it covers all the ingredients well, with a small margin. Leave for 2 weeks in a warm place, shaking occasionally.

Attention: madder roots must be fresh, as they quickly lose their medicinal properties (the shelf life of the raw materials is no more than 3 months). This tincture is anti-cancer and can be used independently for wetting and applying napkins to the tumor.

You can mix this tincture with some fatty cream 1:1 and you will get an anti-cancer cream for nevi and open cancer ulcers.

In the initial stages, you can get rid of a festering mole by additionally lubricating the nevus Colchicum oil, as if burning it out.

Colchicum splendid oil is prepared at the rate of 10 g of colchicum seeds per 200 ml of vegetable oil (preferably corn). Leave in a dark place for 20 days, shaking occasionally. Keep refrigerated.

It must be remembered that the cream acts on the external tumor and is effective in treating only the external tumor (stage 1-2), and to remove possible metastases you need to add a tincture of Djungarian aconite with herbs (see below).

Let me remind you that melanoma metastasizes very quickly and therefore you should not calm down, hoping that surgical removal of the tumor will cure you. The primary focus of melanoma increases over time, and metastases spread throughout the circulatory and lymphatic systems. It must be said that the movement of metastases through the bloodstream is the fastest way for melanoma to penetrate internal organs. In this regard, the standard procedure for removing the “sentinel” node (the first enlarged lymph node) in oncology not only does not bring a therapeutic result, but, on the contrary, only enhances their growth. Excision of the primary tumor gives results only at the very initial stage, while in practice, metastasis is often observed within 4-6 months.

Melanoma is insidious and very resistant to most types of chemotherapy drugs. At the moment, the use of any type of therapy (chemo-, radiation, immuno-) poorly improves the condition of patients and practically does not prolong their life. The use of complex combined methods of treating patients with metastases has a temporary effect of reducing tumors by no more than 20-30%.

ethnoscience

It is known that any large-scale process in the body suppresses the immune system, and negative manifestations (stress, surgery, chemotherapy, sudden climate change, etc.), plus everything else, also provoke a large release of adrenal hormones that stimulate the growth of cancer cells. Don't forget about this, especially if you are having surgery to remove a nevus. In this situation, traditional medicine first of all recommends taking natural adaptogens: ginseng tincture or rosea radiola tincture(pharmaceuticals) 20-25 drops, Eleutherococcus tincture 30-35 drops 3 times a day with ¼ glass of water.

Let me remind you that the full effect of the tinctures begins only 7-8 days after the start of use. Any of the tinctures can be taken for about 2 months, then you should change to another.

Cancer patients should constantly take natural adaptogens, as they also have an anti-cancer effect. After burning out the nevus with colchicum oil, it is better to start taking lemongrass tinctures 30 drops 3 times a day for a month.

And immediately after surgery to remove a nevus, it is better to take it for 3-4 weeks Leuzea extract(liquid) 20-25 drops 3 times a day.

Has proven itself well tincture of aconite Djungarian as an anti-metastasis agent. Together with aconite, a whole complex of anti-cancer herbs is used, which not only supports the functioning of internal organs and systems, but also helps aconite work even stronger. The effectiveness of such a complex at stage 3 melanoma can reach 60-70%.

Let me give you an example of such a complex.

Tincture of Djungarian aconite.

The tincture is taken according to the standard “slide” method: from 1 drop to 10 and back, 3 times a day before meals, 60-90 minutes. Drop into 1/3 cup of whey at room temperature. After performing the “slide”, take a 7-day break to cleanse the body. Tincture of Djungarian aconite is prepared from the ratio of 20 g of dry crushed root per 1 liter of 70% alcohol. Leave for 3 weeks in a dark place, shaking occasionally. Accustoming to the tincture begins after 12-14 months.

Tincture of catharanthus rosea(prepared from fresh raw materials).

Fill a glass jar loosely with fresh catharanthus herb and fill it with 70% alcohol, leave for 2 weeks in the sun. The drug is quite toxic to the liver, so the dosage is selected based on the patient’s condition. Usually take 15 drops of tincture 3 times a day, gradually reaching this dosage. Take 2-3 months, then take a one-month break. Well-crushed fresh catharanthus root, mixed with melted lard in a ratio of 1:10, is an excellent remedy for the treatment of purulent cancer ulcers.

ASD fraction-2, is used in small doses as a means of enhancing the effect of herbs and stimulating the defenses. Take 30 minutes after taking tincture of aconite jungaris or tincture of catharanthus rosea. Reception begins with 3 to 15 drops 3 times a day with ¼ glass of water. Stop at 15 drops and drink until there is a break in the regimen of taking aconite. In this case, abruptly stop taking it (do not go downstairs!), take a break for 7 days, just like a break from aconite tincture. Then start taking aconite with 1 drop, and ASD with 3 drops 3 times a day. If lightheadedness or nausea occurs when taking ASD, then ASD can be dripped into 1/3 cup of kefir, without washing it down with water!

Belog foot tincture o on dry red wine, used more often for metastases to the lungs (the most common site of melanoma metastases), brain, liver, heart. Metastases in the heart often lead to arrhythmias and myocardial rupture. One can note the versatile positive effects of the foot tincture on the entire body, along with an anti-cancer and analgesic effect.

2 tbsp. spoons of crushed dry root of the foot, pour 0.7 liters of dry red wine, leave for 2 weeks in a glass container, shaking occasionally. Then place in a water bath for 15-20 minutes. Leave for another 3 days. Store at room temperature in a dark place. Take 3 tbsp 15 minutes before meals. spoons 3 times a day.

A mixture of different types of bark: elm, aspen, black elderberry, taken in a ratio of 2:2:1, is used in advanced stages of melanoma as an anticancer, anti-inflammatory, improves circulation, restores the mucous membranes of the gastrointestinal tract, anti-edematous, antiviral, antifungal agent.

It is better to collect bark from young trees by scraping off the top cork layer with a knife, cutting off the rest of the inner bark down to the wood itself. Finely chop the raw materials and dry in the sun. Brew at the rate of 2 tbsp. spoons of the collection per 0.5 liters of boiling water, simmer over low heat or a water bath for 15-20 minutes, leave until cool. Add 3 teaspoons of honey and store in the refrigerator. Take ¼ cup 3 times a day, 30 minutes after meals.

Aloe juice(pharmaceutical preparation) - enhances the effect of aconite on melanoma metastases. Take 1 teaspoon 3 times a day, on the days of taking Djungarian aconite tincture.

Turmeric Root Powder(sold in stores and at the market). It is used as an anticancer agent that enhances the effect of aconite, improving the condition of patients, especially in advanced stages of melanoma. Can be taken for a long time. Stir 1 teaspoon of turmeric powder into ½ cup of warm whey. Take 3 times a day 20 minutes after taking Djungarian aconite.

Collection of roots: burdock, bergenia, angelica, licorice, Baikal skullcap, rhubarb. Mix the roots in equal quantities, brew in a ratio of 2 tbsp. spoons per 0.5 liters of boiling water, simmer over low heat for 30 minutes, strain while warm. Take 1/3 cup 3 times a day.

If a person has a tendency to form nevi, then as they grow older their number may increase, reaching a maximum by the age of 30. Nevi can continue to grow further, especially in people who suddenly found themselves in an unusual climate and did not cover their bodies from the scorching rays of the sun. For residents of most regions of Russia, frequent trips to hot countries, especially during the cold season, are associated with a high risk of burns and the development of melanoma. It is known that the skin does not forgive burns. The risk group includes people with fair skin, blond and red hair, pregnant women, and those with more than two sunburns, especially if they were suffered in childhood and adolescence. Such people should not only constantly stay in the shade, but also regularly use sunscreen.

Natural antioxidants

Scientific medicine says that drinking one or two cups of coffee a day reduces the risk of skin cancer. It is also recommended to drink green tea and apply it to the skin. I personally recommend that when vacationing in hot countries, you often eat local fruits and vegetables in large quantities: pineapples, mangoes, papaya, passion fruit, grapes (chew along with the seeds), tangerines, prunes, red beans, eggplants, etc. Fruits grown in hot climates, are intended for people in this climate, and these are natural antioxidants that protect not only the skin, but the entire body from free radicals formed during insolation (lighting from the sun's rays). Here we can also mention aggressive tanning beds, which cause melanoma much faster than natural sun. It’s not for nothing that solariums are banned in most developed countries. I strongly recommend avoiding animal fats, red meat and egg yolks, because... they contain arachidonic acid, which stimulates aggressive metastasis of melanoma.

In addition, it is better in advance, before traveling to the south, to start taking vitamin D3 450 IU per day for 2-3 months or calcitriol 0.00025 mg per day. This will restore the functions of lymphocytes and macrophages in case of immunodeficiency caused by a lack of vitamin D production, and will reduce the likelihood of melanoma.

In conclusion, I would like to note the possibility of maintaining health with the help of immunotherapy, because scientific medicine has long established a direct connection between patient survival and immunity, and practicing oncologists have changed their attitude towards immunorehabilitation from sharply negative to interested. Scientific research in relation to melanoma has so far only made it possible to restrain its development by 10-30%. The most effective immunodrug turned out to be IL-2 ( roncoleukin), which can be used either independently or in combination with reaferon(IFα), the treatment regimen is selected individually.

Mood: alarming

Malignant melanoma is a disease that develops from normal body cells that produce the pigment melanin. These cells are called melanocytes, they are found in the skin, hair follicles, in the membranes of the brain, and the iris of the eye. Sometimes a small part of melanocyte cells merges together, forming nevi - benign neoplasms or malformations of the skin.

The disease melanoma begins at the moment when disruptions in the division of melanocytes occur, causing them to acquire atypical symptoms. Atypicality of cells is manifested in changes in the composition of the cell, its division and growth, and the tendency to spread to nearby tissues of the body and distant organs.

The occurrence of malignant melanoma

The atypical changes described above can occur both with those melanocyte cells that are located within an existing mole (nevus) in a person, and with those that are in a diffuse state in unchanged skin. It has been established that more than half of malignant melanomas appear on an unchanged area of the skin, and only a minority develop within the boundaries. When atypical cells appear within a nevus, such a nevus is considered atypical; in medicine it is called “melanocytic dysplasia.” Since very often the development of malignant melanoma occurs from a new pigment formation that appears on smooth skin, all people need to very carefully monitor changes not only in existing moles, but also in the appearance of new ones.

Forms of malignant melanoma

Today, medicine knows four forms of malignant melanoma:

superficial spreading melanoma is the most common form of this disease (more than 70% of the total number of cases). It appears as a pigment spot on the skin, slightly protruding above its surface. The color of superficial melanoma varies from light brown to blue-black. In this form of the disease, cancer cells accumulate in the upper layers of the dermis, spreading laterally (that is, along the surface of the skin, and not deep into it);
nodular melanoma is a form diagnosed in approximately 15% of patients. Nodular melanoma usually appears as a thick plaque or nodule that protrudes above the surface of the skin. The color of this formation varies from dark blue to blue-black. Pathological cells spread vertically (deep into the skin).
acral lentiginous melanoma. This form of the disease, which occurs much less frequently than the previous ones (about 10% of cases). It is a dark-colored formation with jagged edges, most often localized in the upper layers of the dermis on the palms, soles, fingertips or under the nails. Spreads radially (superficially).
Lentigo maligna is one of the rarest forms of melanoma. It appears in the form of light brown spots, similar in appearance to ordinary freckles. Most often, this form of melanoma affects older people. The route of distribution is superficial.

Classification of malignant melanoma

Depending on the growth stage of melanoma, there are:

Tumors that do not have a radial growth stage:
nodular melanoma.
Tumors with radial growth stage:
superficial spreading melanoma;
lentigo maligna;
acral lentiginous melanoma;
melanomas with unclassified radial growth stage.
Unclassified forms of melanoma:
neurotropic;
desmoplastic;
melanomas with minimal deviation;
blue nevus in a malignant form;
unclassified melanomas with a vertical growth phase.

Phases of development of malignant melanoma

Determining the phase of development of malignant melanoma is of clinical importance for the prognosis of the disease.

There are two of them:

Radial growth phase. In this context, the term “radial” is used to designate the clinical stage of development of a malignant process, and not as a geometric concept. In the radial phase of development, the growth of a cancerous tumor occurs due to the penetration of pathological cells into the lower layers of the epidermis (basal and spinous), and their spread there, in the horizontal direction.
The main diagnostic signs of melanoma in the radial growth phase, which allow it to be distinguished from benign neoplasms, are: asymmetry of shape - in this case the formation has an irregular shape, reminiscent of a geographical map;uneven coloring - with the classic development of melanoma, the color of the tumor is combined, including areas of reddish, blue, and white. The main background can also vary from light brown to blue-black;large sizes (on average no less than 1 cm) are a characteristic feature of melanomas in the radial growth phase. Typically, these lesions are much larger than melanocytic nevi;elevation above skin level. Infiltration of the tumor by atypical cells usually causes thickening of the tumor, so very often tumors in the radial growth phase rise slightly above the surface of the skin.
F the basics of vertical growth. At this phase of melanoma development, in contrast to the radial growth stage, the process of metastasis begins. Clinical manifestations of melanoma in the vertical growth phase are an elevation of the formation above the surface of the skin and the appearance of a nodule in it. Melanoma can enter the vertical growth phase either from the radial stage or bypassing it (emerging as a new formation). In addition, clinical signs of vertical growth are:

previous stage of radial growth (in 90% of cases);
formation of a node ranging in size from 1 mm to several cm;
the appearance of ulcers on the part of the epidermis covering the melanoma, as well as its compression;
the phenomenon of hyperkeratosis (keratinization) of the epidermis over the node.

Complications of malignant melanoma

The main complication of melanoma is the spread of the disease and its damage to other organs and tissues of the body, that is, metastasis.

(load position melanoma)

Spreading hematogenously (through blood vessels), metastases can settle in any organ: liver, lungs, bones, brain and others, and the spread of the disease through the lymphatic system leads to damage to the lymph nodes.

To prevent malignancy of a nevus, especially one located in a place where there is a constant risk of injury from its clothing, it is better to remove it. An attempt at self-medication in the form of tying it with a thread, cutting it with a razor or scissors can also lead to complications of melanoma.

The consequences of such actions are unpredictable.

Doctors about melanoma (video)

Treatment of malignant melanoma

The main treatment for malignant melanoma is its removal through surgical excision involving the skin surrounding the tumor (the size of the graft depends on the size of the tumor itself, but in general, the larger the tumor, the larger the graft), as well as subcutaneous fat and muscle tissue. Also used to treat melanoma are: radiation therapy, immunotherapy, laser destruction, cryodestruction.