Melanoma arises from pigment cells (melanocytes) in the skin. They are everywhere in the skin.
Melanoma occurs more often on normal skin than in moles.
Melanoma can also occur in the eye and on the mucous membrane.
Melanoma is most common in adulthood, but one in four is under the age of 40.
Melanoma is very rare in children.
Excessive and especially sudden tanning is the biggest risk factor for melanoma.
Gene defects are only rarely a factor, but we do inherit fair skin type, which gives a greater risk of sunburn.
It is especially important to avoid getting sunburned as children and young people.
Surgery is the main treatment for melanoma and when it is removed early this is the only treatment, but a check-up by a dermatologist is recommended anyway.
The number and duration of such checks is determined based on risk factors for the melanoma.
The checks are often shared between the GP and the dermatologist.
More advanced stages of melanoma are also treated with medication under the auspices of a cancer doctor (oncologist).
In recent years, several such forms of treatment have appeared which have changed melanoma treatment and prognosis for the better.
Radiotherapy is also used in the treatment of melanoma
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
Our dermatologists help people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly, with everything from simple skin changes to serious conditions.
