Melanoma. Skin cancer
"Along with surgery, there are medical treatments that improve the prognosis of patients. In recent years there have been significant advances".
DR. PEDRO REDONDO
CODIRECTOR - PERSON IN CHARGE. DERMATOLOGY DEPARTMENT
What is melanoma?
Melanoma is a type of cancer that originates in melanocytes, the cells that give skin its colour. Also known as melanoma of the skin or malignant melanoma, it is one of the most common tumours in humans. However, it is important to highlight its preventable and curable nature.
In recent years, the number of cases has increased alarmingly, possibly in relation to sun exposure habits. The Department of Dermatology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra has the most advanced technology for the diagnosis and treatment of this pathology.
In addition, our specialists are experts in performing Mohs surgery, a highly complex microscopic technique that provides better healing results than conventional techniques.
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Symptoms of melanoma
Melanoma manifests itself, in most cases, as a previous pigmented lesion, commonly known as a nevus, which begins to grow in an uncontrolled and abnormal manner.
In general, melanoma-associated lesions are easily visible to the naked eye. Their shape and size can change over time, so regular self-examination is essential to detect any changes in existing spots or moles.
Therefore, regular self-examination of the skin is essential to detect any changes in existing spots or moles. Early identification of symptoms is crucial.
When a nevus meets certain criteria, it is essential to see a doctor. This is the ABCDE rule:
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- Asymmetry: When comparing one half of the nevus with the other, they look different.
- Borders: Borders are irregular or appear staggered.
- Colour: Variety of shades, including brown, black or blue.
- Diameter: It is rare for a malignant nevus to be less than 6 mm in diameter.
- Evolution: Evolution refers to any changes that can be seen in the nevus.
Do you have any of these symptoms?
If you suspect that you have any of the above symptoms,
you should consult a medical specialist for a diagnosis.
What causes melanoma
Excessive sun exposure and genetic factors are the main causes of melanoma. Solar radiation damages the DNA of cells, and if this damage is not repaired, mutations occur and spread uncontrollably.
When skin is exposed to the sun, melanocytes produce more melanin, resulting in tanning or darkening of the skin.
A family history of skin cancers is also an important risk factor. Early screening allows early removal of premalignant lesions or nevi with changes suggestive of incipient malignancy.
People at increased risk:
- Light eyes, fair skin and blond or reddish hair.
- Outdoor occupations.
- History of frequent sunburn in childhood or adolescence.
- Intense sun damage and/or presence of actinic keratomas.
Melanoma prognosis
As with other tumors, the best prognosis is achieved through early removal. Frequent periodic check-ups are key to identifying tumors in time.
In the early stages, when melanoma grows on the surface and does not infiltrate the skin, the prognosis is excellent and it can be cured with simple surgery.
However, when it grows deeper, the risk of metastasis increases, initially spreading through the lymphatic system.
How is melanoma diagnosed?
Physical examination and biopsy are the main tests for diagnosing melanoma. The Department of Dermatology at the Clínica Universidad de Navarra has dermatoscopes with epiluminescence and automated body mapping that detects new moles and improves early detection.
The use of these advanced technologies allows earlier diagnosis, which increases cure and overall survival rates.
Treatments for melanoma
At the Clínica Universidad de Navarra we are specialists in Mohs surgery, a microscopically controlled technique that provides the best healing results.
This technique is particularly useful in large, long-standing or locally recurrent neoplasms.
In the case of melanoma, it may be necessary to remove local lymph nodes, especially the sentinel lymph node, which is usually the first to be affected in the case of metastases. This procedure is crucial for cure.
Because melanoma has a 50-80% relapse rate, chemotherapy is used as an adjuvant treatment to reduce this risk. In advanced stages, treatment with high-dose interferon alpha-2b has been shown to improve disease-free survival.
When melanoma spreads to other organs, the goal of treatment becomes palliative. Dacarbazine is the most commonly used chemotherapy drug, with a response rate of 20%, although generally of short duration.
Radiotherapy is not usually indicated as a primary treatment for melanoma. However, it is used for palliative purposes in cases of painful bone metastases, spinal cord compression or brain metastases.
Immunotherapy aims to stimulate the patient's immune system to recognise and destroy malignant cells more effectively.
At the GMP Laboratory of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra, personalised vaccines are developed using autologous dendritic cells loaded with the patient's own tumour antigens.
This approach, part of the Cancer Immunology and Gene Therapy Programme, opens a door of hope for the future treatment of disseminated melanoma.
What clinical trials do we have on Melanoma?
Advanced Therapies Unit
The Advanced Therapies Unit of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra develops cell therapies against cancer and other diseases of the immune system.
It is implemented by a highly specialised multidisciplinary team of nurses, together with doctors from all the specialties involved.
Where do we treat it?
IN NAVARRA AND MADRID
The Department of Dermatology
of the Clínica Universidad de Navarra
The Department of Dermatology of the Clinica Universidad de Navarra has extensive experience in the diagnosis and treatment of dermatological diseases.
We have extensive experience in highly precise surgical treatments, such as Mohs surgery. This procedure requires highly specialized personnel.
We have the latest technology for the dermo-aesthetic treatment of skin lesions, with the aim of achieving the best results for our patients.
Diseases we treat
Why at the Clinica?
- Experts in Mohs Surgery for the treatment of skin cancer.
- We have the best technology for dermo-aesthetic treatments.
- Safety and quality assurance of the best private hospital in Spain.
Our melanoma expert team
