Have you ever noticed a strange lump or spot on your skin that suddenly grows larger? Or maybe you've noticed a change in your friend's skin. Today we're going to talk about a type of skin cancer that is a bit scary, but can be controlled if recognized early. This is called nodular melanoma . Hearing this name can be a bit scary, but if we are aware of it, we can protect ourselves from it and get treatment in time.
What is Nodular Melanoma?
Simply put, nodular melanoma is a type of skin cancer called melanoma . It is a little different from other types of skin cancer because it grows very quickly . Imagine, within a few weeks, or even a few months, this lump can grow and spread.
The specialty of this is that it grows vertically, not just on the surface of the skin, but also under the skin . It's like an iceberg floating in the sea. We can see a small part of it above, but the largest part is under the water. Similarly, in nodular melanoma, most of the cancer is under the skin. This is why it can be a little dangerous, because it tends to go deep quickly.
What are the stages of this cancer?
Okay, now let's look at the different stages of this cancer called Nodular Melanoma. Doctors divide it into several parts, depending on the spread and depth of the cancer. It is important to know this stage, because treatment is determined based on this.
Stage 0 (Stage 0 - Melanoma in situ)
This is the earliest stage . This is when the cancer cells are only in the outermost layer of the skin (the epidermis) . This means that it has not spread beyond where it first started. This is the best time to find it, because it is more likely to be completely cured with treatment.
Stage I
At this stage, the cancer is considered low-risk . This means there is no evidence that it has spread. It is also very small , usually less than 2 millimeters thick.
Stage II
At this stage, nodular melanoma can be more than 2 millimeters thick . This means that it has a high risk of recurrence . However, it has not yet spread to other parts of the body.
Stage III
This is a bit more serious. Here, the cancer may have spread to nearby lymph nodes or to other parts of the skin nearby . Lymph nodes are like little filters in our body that help fight infection. If cancer cells get into these, it means that the cancer has started to spread.
Stage IV
This is the most severe and widespread stage . Here, nodular melanoma may have spread to distant lymph nodes, other distant parts of the skin, or even internal organs such as the liver, lungs, and brain .
Who is more likely to develop this?
Nodular Melanoma can develop in anyone, but some people are at a slightly higher risk.
- This risk is higher for men , especially those over the age of 50 .
- If you have had skin cancer before .
- If someone in your family has had skin cancer (there may be a hereditary link).
- People with fair skin who sunburn easily . Even if our skin color is dark, there is a risk of sunburn.
- People who spend a lot of time in the sun , especially those who spend a lot of time in the sun without protection.
How common is this?
Nodular melanoma is the second most common type of melanoma . It accounts for 15% to 20% of all melanomas diagnosed. It is also said to be responsible for about 50% of melanoma-related deaths. Therefore, it is very important to be aware of this.
How does nodular melanoma affect the body?
This cancer can develop anywhere on the body, but it most often develops in areas that are most exposed to the sun . That is:
- Hands
- Head (scalp area)
- Legs
- Torso
Nodular melanomas are usually larger than other moles on your skin. They are often more than 1 centimeter in diameter (about the length of a stapler), and more than 6 millimeters in height (about the height of 60 sheets of paper).
What are the symptoms?
It is important to recognize the symptoms of this cancer, because the sooner it is recognized, the more likely it is that treatment will be successful.
- The skin surface may appear as a thick, raised, spherical lump .
- The color can vary . It can be red, pink, brown, black, blue-black. Sometimes it can even be the same color as your skin.
- The texture of the surface can vary . It can be smooth, crusty, or rough like a cauliflower.
- There may be bleeding . It may just be bleeding, or it may bleed when you scratch.
- There may be itching .
- You may feel burning or pain .
Important: If you notice a new bump, spot, or change in an existing spot on your skin, don't waste time and see a doctor immediately .
Could this look like a blood blister?
Yes, sometimes a nodular melanoma can look like a blood blister . A blood blister is formed when the skin is squeezed tightly. The blister is formed when blood collects from broken blood vessels. It can be brown, red, or black. So, if you have a new "blood blister" that doesn't heal quickly, be concerned about that too.
Does nodular melanoma bleed?
Yes, if you scratch this knot, squeeze it, or even gently touch it, it can bleed. Sometimes , even if you don't do anything, it can just bleed .
Are these knots tight or loose?
Nodular melanoma usually feels hard and dense when touched.
What are the reasons for this?
The main risk factor for developing nodular melanoma is overexposure to ultraviolet (UV) light . In particular, sunburns are the most harmful.
Our skin contains a type of cell called melanocytes . These cells produce a pigment called melanin . It is this melanin that gives our skin its color. So, when we are exposed to UV rays from the sun or tanning beds, the DNA of these melanocytes can be damaged and mutated. These cells then grow and divide uncontrollably, and begin to invade surrounding tissue (malignancy) . That is when cancer occurs.
Is this contagious?
No, nodular melanoma is not a contagious disease . You cannot catch it from someone else, nor can you spread it to someone else.
How do you recognize this?
When you see a doctor with a strange lump on your skin, the first thing he or she will do is examine the lump carefully. He or she will also palpate the skin around the lump and your lymph nodes. Then, they may ask you a few questions.
- "When did you first see this knot?"
- "Did this get bigger or is it the same?"
- "Does it hurt when I touch this?"
- "Did this change color?"
- "Does this itch, does it hurt?"
- "Is this bleeding?"
- "Have you had skin cancer before?"
- "Does anyone in your family have skin cancer?"
Your answers to these questions will help the doctor get an idea of the disease.
What tests are being done?
After a physical examination, if the doctor suspects that it may be a nodular melanoma, he or she will often decide to do a biopsy . A biopsy involves removing a small piece of the lump, or the entire lump, under numbing and pain-free conditions, and sending it to a laboratory to check for cancer cells . The results can take two to ten days to come back.
How is it treated?
Treatment for nodular melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer and your overall health . The main goal is to cure the cancer. Doctors also aim to stop the cancer from coming back and keep your skin looking as good as possible.
Treatment of early stage nodular melanoma
In the early stages, when the cancer has not yet spread, the main treatment is to remove the lump with surgery . You may be able to do this while you are awake, using only local anesthesia. Or, in some cases, you may be given general anesthesia to perform the surgery. A dermatologist or surgeon will use a sharp knife (scalpel) to remove the lump and a small amount of healthy skin around it.
Treatment of disseminated nodular melanoma
When the cancer has spread (late-stage), in addition to surgical removal of the lump, one or more other treatments may be combined.
- Lymphadenectomy: If the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes, surgery may be performed to remove those lymph nodes. This can stop the cancer from spreading further.
- Surgery on internal organs: If the cancer has spread to an internal organ, the affected part of that organ can be surgically removed.
- Immunotherapy: This works by stimulating your body's own immune system to produce more cells that fight cancer cells.
- Targeted cancer therapy: In this, specific drugs are used to attack only cancer cells. This causes less damage to healthy cells.
- Chemotherapy: In this, drugs are given that kill cancer cells and stop them from multiplying.
How long does it take to recover after treatment?
This will vary depending on the treatment you receive.
- After surgery , it can take about one to three weeks for the skin to heal.
- After chemotherapy and targeted cancer therapy , most side effects go away once treatment is stopped.
How to reduce the risk?
Although the development of nodular melanoma cannot be completely prevented, there are things we can do to reduce the risk.
- Avoid the harsh sun and seek shade . The sun's rays are especially strong between 10 am and 4 pm.
- Don't use tanning beds . Instead, use something like a spray tan.
- Wear wide-brimmed hats, sunglasses, long-sleeved clothing, and long pants whenever possible.
- Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF (Skin Protection Factor) of 30 or higher . Reapply frequently if you sweat or swim.
- When using lip balm, choose one that contains sunscreen.
- Pay attention to your skin . If you notice new spots, moles, or changes in an existing spot, see a doctor immediately.
What happens if you have nodular melanoma?
Early diagnosis is extremely important for nodular melanoma. If detected early, your prognosis is very good.
However, nodular melanoma can be life-threatening if detected late-stage because it grows quickly . Therefore, the sooner it is detected and removed, the better your chances of a full recovery .
How is the survival rate?
This is the percentage of people who are still alive five years after being diagnosed and treated for nodular melanoma.
- Stages 0, I and II: 98.4%
- Stage III: 63.6%
- Stage IV: 22.5%
Looking at these statistics, you can see how valuable it is to find out quickly, right?
When should I see a doctor?
If you have any of the symptoms below, definitely see a doctor.
- The appearance of a new, hard lump on the skin.
- A change in the size, color, or shape of an existing mole or spot.
- Itching or bleeding from a lump.
- If you have had skin cancer before .
- If anyone in your family has skin cancer .
- If you have a history of severe sun exposure .
What questions should you ask the doctor?
When you see your doctor, it's very important to ask questions like these to get a clear understanding of your condition.
- "How can you tell if I have nodular melanoma?"
- "What stage of Nodular Melanoma do I have?"
- "How big is this nodular melanoma?"
- "How deep has this gone into my skin?"
- "Has this cancer spread to other parts of my body?"
- "What treatments do you recommend?"
- "What are the full side effects of each treatment?"
- "What are the chances of this nodular melanoma coming back?"
- "How can I reduce my risk of developing nodular melanoma again in the future?"
Can nodular melanoma be removed by scraping it off?
This is not a good thing to do at all . Some people may think, "Oh, it's just a small bump, it's okay to scratch it." However, doing so will not cure this cancer. In fact, it can spread the cancer further . Also, scratching can cause injury and infection . Therefore, never do that. The most important thing is to see a doctor and get proper treatment.
Finally, things to remember
It's normal to feel scared and disappointed when you receive a diagnosis of nodular melanoma. However, it's important to take care of your skin. This is especially important if you have fair skin or are exposed to a lot of sunlight.
If you notice any new changes, strange lumps, or spots on your skin, don't waste time and see a doctor right away . He or she can explain what treatment you need and what you should expect. This can greatly reduce your fear and anxiety. Remember, early detection is the best way to save a life!
` Skin cancer, melanoma, nodular melanoma, skin nodules, sun rays, UV rays, cancer symptoms, skin cancer treatment
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