About superficial spreading melanoma

Medically speaking, there are four basic categories of melanomas. Three of them arise in the top players of the skin and although rarely, they have the tendency to become invasive, the fourth category is invasive from the moment of its forming. As you can draw a conclusion on your own, the fourth type is the most serious, as it is situated deeper in the skin and it has the quickest progression rate, meaning that it can be spread more quickly into the other body organ tissues. Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common type of melanoma, and almost 80% of the patients that are diagnosed with melanoma have this particular type. As the name itself suggests, the superficial melanoma forms on the first layer of the skin and it takes a really long time before the cancer cells can penetrate deeper into the skin. Although it may not be easily noticeable, people with this type of melanoma have a small, discolored patch with irregular shape and borders. The discoloration can be various, some people have white patches, some tan, brown, and some have black, red or even blue patches. The superficial melanoma usually occurs in a mole, which are benign skin conditions. We cannot talk about the predominant place of forming of the melanoma as it can be literally found on any part of the body, however, it is evident that the melanoma occurs more frequently in the legs of the women and the trunk of the men.

What causes the formation of the superficial spreading melanoma?

The main culprit behind the formation of the superficial spreading melanoma is the rapid development of the melanocytes, or malignant pigment cells along the top layer of the skin (the epidermis). In 75% of the cases, the melanoma arises in skin that previously had a normal appearance. However, 25% of the cases arise from within previously existing mole (melanocytic naevus). At the time, there was no scientific answer to the question what triggers the development of the malignant cells, although gene mutations have been detected in the vast majority of the superficial spreading melanoma cases. The skin damage that is caused by ultraviolet radiation results in decreased levels of immune tolerance, which enables the cell mutation to take an increased development. The ultraviolet radiation exposure can come in the form of natural sunlight as well as artificial sources such as tanning beds. Fair skinned people as well as babies and toddlers are the most vulnerable group; thereby the proper sun protection is an essence, not only in summer but throughout the whole year as well.

How the superficial spreading melanoma is diagnosed?

In order for the doctor to establish a positive diagnosis, he or she will subject the patients to several tests such as dermoscopy and biopsy in addition to the pathology report. Although in many cases the superficial spreading melanoma is visible with the naked eye, these tests are mandatory for making a correct diagnosis.

Treatment for superficial spreading melanoma

The most common treatment of superficial spreading melanoma in its initial stage is surgical removal of the compromised skin tissue, and if the melanoma caused enlarged lymph nodes, they should also be completely removed. Once the treatment is over, the patient is subjected to regular checkups and advised to wear proper protection from ultraviolet radiation.