At the OSUCCC – James, we’re committed to providing comprehensive melanoma care, which combines innovative treatments with compassionate support. If you have been diagnosed with melanoma of the skin, we know you may have many questions or concerns. Our team of cancer experts will use the latest advancements in melanoma research to guide your care and address any concerns you may have, no matter where you are in your journey.
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. There are different types of melanomas and they each have their own unique characteristics. Cutaneous melanoma (melanoma of the skin) is the most common.
Your skin is the largest organ in your body. It performs important functions like:
- Protecting you from bacterial and viral infections
- Preventing injury
- Helping maintain moisture in your body
Melanoma occurs when the melanocytes, which are cells that create the pigment (called melanin) in the skin, become cancerous. Melanocytes are in the outer layer of the skin, called the epidermis. As these cells are exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation sources such as the sun or tanning beds, they create more pigment and cause your skin to darken.
It's important to note that melanoma of the skin can occur anywhere on the body. For males assigned at birth, melanoma most often affects the trunk, head or neck; for females assigned at birth, it most often affects the extremities, which are the arms and legs.
Melanoma of the skin versus other melanoma types
Each type of melanoma will have its own unique characteristics. There are different types of the condition, so diagnosis and treatment will be dependent on the location and other factors.
The most common types of melanomas include:
- Cutaneous melanoma (melanoma of the skin) – This is the most common type of melanoma. It’s characterized by the abnormal growth of melanocytes in the epidermis. While it’s a rare type of skin cancer, it is the most aggressive.
- Mucosal melanoma (melanoma of the mucus membrane) – This type of melanoma develops in the moist, thin layers that cover organs and body cavities, such as the lips. It’s a type of skull base tumor that requires specialty treatment. It is also rare.
- Ocular melanoma (melanoma of the eye) – Ocular melanoma is a type of cancer that also begins in melanocytes, which make the color in your eyes. It only affects a small percentage of Americans each year, but it’s a very serious condition that can affect your vision.
Melanoma of the skin may also be further classified into subtypes. These classifications include:
- Superficial spreading melanoma – This is the most common subtype of melanoma. The melanoma tends to grow horizontally and deep into the skin’s tissues.
- Nodular melanoma – This type of melanoma grows vertically and quickly. It’s the second most common subtype.
- Lentigo maligna melanoma – This is a type of melanoma in situ, which means the cancer is found in its very earliest stage. It’s usually found on areas of the skin that are exposed to the sun.
- Acral lentiginous (palmar/plantar and subungual) – This is the most common type of melanoma found in people with dark skin. It can occur on the palms, feet and nail beds. It’s an aggressive form of melanoma.
- Desmoplastic melanoma – Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare type of skin cancer that usually appears as a thick, hard bump on the skin, much like a scar. It tends to occur on the head and neck.
What causes melanoma of the skin?
Researchers are still determining the exact cause of melanoma of the skin, but the biggest contributing factor for it is exposure to UV radiation via sunlight or tanning beds.
Usually, skin cells reproduce and grow at a normal rate. Our cells contain “instructions” called DNA that tell cells how to do this. However, when skin is exposed to too much UV radiation over time, it can change the skin’s cellular structure. This can cause skin cells to grow and replicate at an abnormal rate, resulting in a cancerous tumor (mass).
There are some risk factors that may influence whether a person develops melanoma. Just because you may have a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll develop the condition. The biggest risk factors for melanoma include exposure to sunlight or tanning beds and having fair skin.
Melanoma symptoms
The biggest symptom of melanoma of the skin includes a change in the appearance of a mole or pigmented area.
Other symptoms may include:
- Satellite moles – new moles that grow near an existing one.
- New changes in mole size, shape or color.
- Sores that won’t heal.
- A mole or lesion that oozes, bleeds or forms a hole in the skin when the top layer of cells breaks down, allowing the tissue below to show through (ulceration).
Having these symptoms does not necessarily mean you have melanoma. But if you have symptoms, you should tell your doctor, especially if symptoms have continued for longer than a few weeks.
Why choose the OSUCCC – James for melanoma treatment?
At the OSUCCC – James, those who have melanoma receive world-class care from a team of leading experts in oncology and dermatology. Our experts are trained in the latest treatment options and will customize a plan specifically for you.
Access to central Ohio’s only dedicated skin cancer center
The OSUCCC – James is home to central Ohio’s only dedicated skin cancer center, The Melanoma and Skin Cancer Center, where people receive comprehensive cancer care from a dedicated team of oncology and dermatology specialists. The center offers everything from cancer screenings for those who are at risk to the latest in treatment options. By offering access to the latest clinical trials and technology, the center provides the most advanced and effective therapies available.
Multidisciplinary, comprehensive skin cancer care
Our team of specialists works together to address each person’s cancer care. The multidisciplinary process ensures a comprehensive approach to address not only the physical aspects of your cancer but also the additional needs that may come with a cancer diagnosis. No matter where you are on your cancer journey, experts at the OSUCCC – James will be with you.
If you’ve been diagnosed with melanoma or would like a second opinion, please call The James Line at 800-293-5066 or 614-293-5066 to make an appointment.