Melanoma and other skin cancers

Melanoma is the most malignant form of skin cancer, because the melanoma may metastasize.  Melanomas are usually diagnosed as a change in the pigmentation of a healthy area of the skin. The melanoma is typically mottled and has rugged edges. It may also bleed.

Because the melanoma is often well visible, it is possible to diagnose it early, which improves the prognosis. There is a risk that the diagnosis and treatment are postponed if the appearance of the melanoma is atypical: a melanoma may lack a dark pigment and in the sole of the foot a melanoma may look like a common wart.

The most important form of treatment is surgery. The goal of surgery is to remove the tumour completely and to identify metastases as early as possible. Occasionally interferon is used after melanoma surgery.

Advanced melanoma may be treated with radiation, chemotherapy or novel immunological drugs. The treatment plan is always individualized for each patient.

Melanoma treatment is one of the main competencies and scientific areas of interest of the department of plastic and general surgery at Tyks. Most of our patients are permanently cured.