Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment in Sydney

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, is a serious health concern that, if detected early, can be effectively treated. In Australia, with its high rates of UV exposure, it’s crucial to understand the risks and to know how to identify potential signs of melanoma. This blog post will delve into the importance of early detection, explore various melanoma skin cancer treatment options, and emphasise the crucial role of dermatologists in managing melanoma.

Let’s explore how you can take proactive steps to protect your skin health and seek professional care for melanoma.

Why Early Detection Is Crucial

Early detection of melanoma can be lifesaving. When melanoma is caught early, the chances of successful treatment are significantly higher.

High Cure Rates: Early-stage melanoma has a high cure rate. When detected and treated at an early stage, the five-year survival rate is about 99%.
Simple Treatments: Early detection often means less invasive treatments, which can lead to quicker recovery times and fewer complications.
Prevention of Spread: Catching melanoma early can prevent it from spreading to other parts of the body, where it becomes more challenging to treat.

Encouraging Regular Skin Checks

Skin checks are essential, especially for those with prolonged sun exposure or history of skin cancer.

Monthly Self-Exams: Conduct monthly self-exams to monitor any changes in your skin. Look for new moles, changes in existing moles, or any unusual skin growths.
Annual Dermatologist Visits: Schedule annual visits to a dermatologist for a professional skin check. Sydney-based dermatologists have the expertise to identify suspicious lesions that may not be apparent to the untrained eye.
Immediate Attention to Changes: If you notice any changes in your skin, such as a mole that changes in size, shape, or colour, seek medical advice immediately.

Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment Options

There are various treatment options available for melanoma, depending on the stage and location of the cancer. Dermatology clinics in Sydney offer advanced treatments tailored to individual needs. These are some of the primary treatment options:

Surgery

Surgery is often the first line of treatment for early-stage melanoma. The goal is to remove the melanoma along with some surrounding healthy tissue to ensure all cancer cells are eradicated. Types of surgery include:

Wide Excision: This involves removing the melanoma and a margin of healthy skin around it. It’s typically performed under local anaesthesia.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: If your dermatologist suspects there is a risk that melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to check for cancer cells.

Immunotherapy

This treatment boosts the immune system’s ability to combat cancer. Sydney-based dermatologists recommend it for advanced melanoma or when the cancer has spread. Types of immunotherapy include:

Checkpoint Inhibitors: These drugs aid the immune system’s ability to recognise and attack melanoma cells. Examples of checkpoint inhibitors include pembrolizumab (Keytruda) and nivolumab (Opdivo).
Cytokines: These are proteins that enhance the immune response. Interleukin-2 (IL-2) is an immunotherapy option to treat advanced and metastatic melanoma.

Targeted Therapy

Targeted therapy involves using drugs that specifically target melanoma cells without affecting normal cells. This approach is particularly effective for melanomas with specific genetic mutations. Types of targeted therapy include:

BRAF Inhibitors: These drugs target the BRAF gene mutation found in about half of all melanomas. Vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and dabrafenib (Tafinlar) are common examples.
MEK Inhibitors: Often used in combination with BRAF inhibitors, MEK inhibitors target another protein involved in melanoma growth. Examples include trametinib (Mekinist) and cobimetinib (Cotellic).

Radiation Therapy

This therapy targets cancer cells, ultimately killing them with high-energy radiation. It is often used when surgery is not an option or to relieve symptoms in advanced melanoma cases.

This melanoma skin cancer treatment option is not usually used to treat the original melanoma in the skin but can be used to relieve symptoms caused by spread of the melanoma, especially to the brain or bones. Radiation therapy may also be used to treat melanoma that has come back or to kill any cancer cells remaining after surgery.

Look Out for the Early Signs of Melanoma

It merits repeating that early detection is crucial in the successful treatment of melanoma. When caught in its early stages, melanoma is highly treatable, and the chances of a full recovery are significantly increased. Regular self-examinations and professional skin checks are essential for identifying any suspicious moles or lesions.

Here are a few important things to keep in mind:

If one half of the mole doesn’t match the other, this may be a cause for concern and should be checked by licensed dermatologists.
Consult with a Sydney-based dermatologist if you spot moles with ragged, notched, or blurred edges.
Another early sign of melanoma to be wary of are moles with varying shades of brown, black, red, white, or blue.
Inspect any mole on the skin if it is larger than 6 millimetres or about the size of a pencil eraser.
If the mole exhibits noticeable change in size, shape or colour, let a dermatologist examine it as soon as possible.

Taking Proactive Steps

Even if you do not have visible symptoms of melanoma, take proactive steps to protect and monitor your skin health.

Sun Protection: Australia experiences high levels of UVR, so always use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher and wear protective clothing when going out. Avoid peak sun hours.
Avoid Tanning Beds: Tanning beds can increase the risk of melanoma and should be avoided.
Educate Yourself: Learn about the signs of melanoma and stay informed about the latest advancements in skin cancer treatment.

Turn to Dermatologists for Melanoma Treatment in Sydney

Upon diagnosis, dermatologists will recommend the suitable treatment option. Here’s why seeking professional care from these experts is beneficial:

Advanced Technology: Sydney-based clinics are equipped with the latest technology for accurate diagnosis and effective treatment.
Experienced Specialists: Dermatologists in Sydney have extensive experience in treating melanoma and are well-versed in the latest treatment protocols.
Comprehensive Care: These clinics offer a multidisciplinary approach, involving oncologists, surgeons, and other specialists to provide comprehensive care for melanoma patients.

Schedule a Skin Check Today

Melanoma is a serious but treatable condition when detected early. By understanding the risk factors, knowing the signs of melanoma, and scheduling regular skin checks, you can significantly reduce your risk of developing this type of skin cancer.

If you notice any changes in your skin, don’t hesitate to consult one of our dermatologists here at Pymble Dermatology.

Early Detection and Effective Melanoma Skin Cancer Treatment in Sydney