Melanoma | New Zealand Reconstructive Surgical Specialists

What Is Melanoma Skin Cancer?

Melanoma represents a form of skin cancer that develops from the uncontrolled growth of melanocytes, the cells that cause skin pigmentation. While less common than other skin cancer types, melanoma poses a greater threat due to its higher risk of spreading if not promptly diagnosed and treated.

Understanding the risk factors associated with melanoma is important, as it may allow people to decrease their risk of developing melanoma and protect themselves. Also, early detection of melanoma significantly increases the likelihood of successful treatment and cure. Some people have a higher risk of melanoma, but it is very important to understand that anyone can develop this condition.

Risk factors for melanoma include:

Ultraviolet (UV) light exposure
Moles- especially larger numbers or atypical moles
Lighter skin, hair, and eye colour
Family history of melanoma
Personal history of melanoma or other skin cancers
Weakened immune system
Being older
Being male

Routine skin examinations are particularly important for individuals at elevated risk of melanoma. These include those with dysplastic naevus syndrome, or a significant past personal or family history of melanoma. For individuals with numerous moles, doctors may recommend periodic full-body photography (mole-mapping) to increase the chance of identifying changing moles/ early melanoma.

How Can I Spot an Abnormal Mole?

Being aware of your own skin is critical for early skin cancer detection. Regular self-examination allows you to identify new growths or changes in existing spots promptly.
A typical mole usually exhibits an evenly pigmented brown, tan, or black appearance. They can be flat or raised, and may be round or oval in shape. Most moles develop before adulthood, therefore any new moles that develop later in life warrant evaluation by a healthcare professional.
A mole that does not change in terms of its size, shape, and colour over time is generally characteristic of a benign (non-cancerous) mole. However, any changes, such as alterations in size, shape, colour, or texture, merit prompt medical assessment.

The ABCDE rule serves as a helpful guideline for recognising potential signs of melanoma:

A is for Asymmetry – unable to “fold the mole in half”
B is for Border – the borders are irregular
C is for Colour – more than one or two colours, including red or blue
D is for Diameter – larger than 5-6 mm
E is for Evolving – growing, or becoming elevated above the skin surface

Any skin spots exhibiting these features or demonstrating new or changing characteristics warrant evaluation by a physician.

What Should I Expect During a Consultation for Melanoma?

During a consultation for melanoma, the physician typically begins by inquiring about symptoms and potential risk factors. A thorough physical examination involves assessing the size, shape, colour, and texture of suspicious areas and examining the remainder of the body for additional abnormalities. This may include examining for enlargement or tenderness in local lymph nodes.

Techniques such as dermatoscopy (use of a special skin microscope) may be employed to enhance spot examination clarity, with photographs often taken for reference. If melanoma is suspected, a skin biopsy is performed, wherein the suspicious area is surgically removed and sent for laboratory analysis.

What Is the Treatment?

Treatment for melanoma varies depending on factors such as the type of melanoma, location, and stage (how advanced the melanoma is). Early-stage melanomas may be treatable with straightforward surgical excision, which in most cases will be curative without any other treatment needed. More advanced cases may need more extensive interventions, such as special scans, or sampling of lymph nodes to assess early spread. If the melanoma is advanced, it might require chemotherapy or radiotherapy in addition to surgery. In these cases, review and advice from a combined team of specialists is sought.

Your Plastic Surgeon will determine the most appropriate treatment approach based on your individual circumstances.

What questions should I ask my Plastic surgeon about melanoma surgery?

Are you vocationally registered with the Medical Council of New Zealand as a specialist plastic surgeon?
Are you a member of the New Zealand Association of Plastic Surgeons?
Will the procedure be conducted in a hospital or office-based setting, and is the facility accredited for this type of surgery?
What type of anaesthesia is needed for this procedure?
Based on my medical history and condition, is surgery the best option for me? If so, am I a suitable candidate for this surgery?
Which surgical technique do you recommend for my case, and why?
What are the realistic expectations for the outcome of this procedure in my case?
What steps or lifestyle changes are necessary for me to get the best result from my surgery?
What is the anticipated duration of recovery, and what assistance will I need during this period?
What potential risks and complications are associated with this procedure? How would you manage these should they arise?
How will my results change over time?
If I’m unhappy with the outcome, what recourse options are available?

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Disclaimer: This website is intended to provide you with general information only. This information is not a substitute for advice from your Specialist Plastic Surgeon and does not contain all the known facts about this procedure or every possible side effect of surgery. It is important that you speak to your surgeon before deciding to undergo surgery. If you are not sure about the benefits, risks and limitations of treatment, or anything else relating to your procedure, ask your surgeon to explain. Patient information provided as part of this website is evidence-based, and sourced from a range of reputable information providers including the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, Better Health Channel and Mi-tec medical publishing.