Melanoma is the deadliest type of skin cancer. It takes the lives of over 8,000 Americans each year and is the leading cause of cancer death in women in their mid-to-late 20s.
Fortunately, there are many treatment options available, including clinical trials.
At his private practice in Los Angeles, Fullerton, and Orange, California, board-certified surgical oncologist Dr. Trevan Fischer uses state-of-the-art techniques and equipment to address a variety of health conditions, including melanoma.
Additionally, Dr. Fischer works on clinical trials at The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute, a Cedars-Sinai affiliate, which provides him the opportunity to stay abreast of the latest findings. He also helps foster the next generation by teaching fellows in surgical oncology.
Melanin is the pigment that gives skin its color and is created in cells known as melanocytes. Melanoma begins in these cells, often in areas that get frequent sun exposure and damage from ultraviolet light.
Frequently, melanoma is diagnosed on the face, back, arms, or legs. Still, it can appear anywhere, including in the eyes and inside the body, such as in the nose or throat.
Two other types of skin cancer — basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma — are diagnosed more often, but melanoma is particularly dangerous because it can spread quickly to other organs.
People whose melanoma is found early have a 99% survival rate at five years post-diagnosis. Surgical removal of the skin cancer may be the only treatment needed if it is caught before it has spread.
If the cancer is detected at a later stage, there are additional treatments available, including the removal of identified lymph nodes and a procedure to take small bits of cancer out of organs.
Targeted medication to attack cancer cells, radiation using high-energy rays to shrink tumors, and stimulating the body's immune system through immunotherapy are other possibilities.
So are clinical trials.
A clinical trial is a research study that helps find new treatments for various health conditions, including melanoma. Participation can often provide access to treatments that may be more helpful than those that are currently approved by the FDA.
While there are many approved melanoma treatments, they do not cure all patients, so access to new therapies should be an important consideration.
Volunteering for a clinical trial can benefit you, and it can help improve treatment options for those diagnosed with melanoma in the future. One of the largest obstacles to the development of new therapies is the lack of people enrolling in clinical trials.
Whether you've been diagnosed with melanoma or are concerned about an unusual blemish on your skin, Dr. Fischer can help. He can also discuss clinical trials as a possible treatment option. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.
