Cutaneous Melanoma
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Conveniently located to serve Newark, DE
A cutaneous melanoma diagnosis brings unique challenges that require specialized expertise and compassionate care. At Advanced Plastic Surgery Center, double board-certified plastic surgeon Dr. Lawrence Chang and physician assistants Kelsey Faux-Dugan and Jennifer Latteri deliver advanced surgical solutions for patients facing cutaneous melanoma in Newark, Delaware.
What is Cutaneous Melanoma?
Melanocytes serve as the skin’s pigment factories, residing within the epidermis and producing melanin that determines skin coloration. When these cells transform into cancer, they create cutaneous melanoma — a malignancy that begins in pigment-producing tissues and frequently originates from pre-existing moles.
This type of skin cancer stands apart from other skin malignancies due to its aggressive behavior and tendency to metastasize rapidly. With 114,000 Americans receiving this diagnosis annually and approximately 8,600 fatalities every year, melanoma demands immediate medical intervention and ongoing surveillance.
Signs of Cutaneous Melanoma
Melanoma typically manifests as dark, flat, or elevated areas on the skin’s surface. The ABCDE rule serves as an essential guide for recognizing suspicious lesions:
- Asymmetry – One half of the mole differs significantly from the other half in shape or appearance.
- Border – Edges appear irregular, jagged, or poorly defined rather than smooth.
- Color – Multiple colors present within a single lesion, including various shades of brown, black, tan, red, white, or blue.
- Diameter – It is larger than 6mm (approximately the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving – The mole changes in size, shape, color, or texture over time.
Risk Factors For Cutaneous Melanoma
Several factors increase the likelihood of developing melanoma, including excessive ultraviolet radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Additional risk factors can be:
- History of severe sunburns, particularly during childhood
- Fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes
- Large number of moles or atypical moles
- Family history of melanoma
- Previous melanoma diagnosis
- Weakened immune system
- Advanced age
Diagnosis and Assessment
Our comprehensive evaluation begins with the thorough examination of suspicious lesions using specialized equipment. We assess each mole’s characteristics according to the ABCDE criteria while documenting your personal and family medical history. Definitive diagnosis requires a tissue biopsy.
Treatment Options
Surgical excision remains the primary treatment for cutaneous melanoma. Advanced cases may necessitate more complex reconstructive procedures, including skin grafts or tissue flaps to achieve proper wound closure.
What to Expect After Treatment
Recovery varies based on the extent of surgery required. Simple excisions typically heal within two to four weeks, with patients experiencing mild discomfort and temporary activity restrictions. More extensive reconstructive procedures may require several weeks for complete healing. Follow-up care is particularly crucial for melanoma patients, involving regular skin examinations and potential coordination with oncology specialists for ongoing surveillance and additional treatment if necessary.
Benefits of Cutaneous Melanoma Treatment
- Complete removal of malignant tissue
- Prevention of metastatic spread
- Expert reconstructive techniques for optimal aesthetic results
- Coordinated care with oncology specialists when appropriate
- Long-term monitoring for recurrence prevention
FAQs
Don’t Wait; Schedule an Appointment
Comprehensive diagnosis and treatment are available for cutaneous melanoma in Newark, Delaware, at Advanced Plastic Surgery Center. Early detection significantly improves treatment outcomes and survival rates. Contact us today to schedule your thorough skin evaluation and develop your personalized treatment plan.