Malignant Melanoma Hampshire UK

  • Early detection by self-examination and mole scanning by an experienced Dermatologist are the two keys to a cure
  • At the Wessex Skin Clinic, you will be treated by Dr Geoffrey Fairris who is one of the UK's top Consultant Dermatologists. He has cured several thousand skin cancers both on the face and body during his career, leaving excellent cosmetic results.

 

What is malignant melanoma?

Malignant melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer because it is the most prone to spread to other parts of the body. It is a cancer of the mole cells or melanocytes that live in the outer half millimetre of the skin (the epidermis).

 

What causes malignant melanoma?

Risk factors for malignant melanoma are:

  • Red or blond hair
  • Having more than 100 moles
  • Living in a country with strong sunshine during childhood
  • Having experienced painful, blistering sunburn during childhood
  • Having a first degree relative who has had a malignant melanoma

Adult sun exposure does not seem to increase the risk of malignant melanoma.

 

What happens if malignant melanoma is not treated?

85% of malignant melanomas grow sideways, parallel to the surface of the skin, for several months. They are called superficial spreading malignant melanomas and, if they are detected at this stage, they are always cured by surgery.

Around 15% grow downwards into the body early in their development. They are known as nodular malignant melanomas. It is the downward or inward growth that is dangerous because it allows the cancer cells to spread faster to other parts of the body.

 

How can malignant melanoma be treated?

Surgery during the early phases of growth is the only known cure.

A cure is almost guaranteed if a malignant melanoma is removed surgically while it is still a flat brown mark.

 

How can malignant melanoma be prevented?

Wearing sunscreen during the first fifteen years of life will probably reduce the chance of developing a malignant melanoma.

Otherwise, early detection by self examination and mole scanning by an experienced Dermatologist are the best policies.