Melanoma is one of the most deadly types of skin cancer because it can be aggressive, grows quickly, and spreads to other organs in the body. The good news is that it is highly treatable when detected early and treated correctly.
As a certified complex general surgical oncologist, Dr. Trevan Fischer pairs his extensive knowledge with state-of-the-art surgical techniques to treat a variety of types of cancer, including melanoma, at his private practice in both Los Angeles and Orange Counties in California.
When he is not providing patient care, he contributes to the progress of the field by doing research and training surgical oncology fellows at Cedars-Sinai affiliate The Angeles Clinic and Research Institute.
Melanoma begins in moles about one-third of the time, with the remaining cases developing in normal skin.
It may be asymmetrical, have notched borders, and feature a combination of mottled colors, including brown, black, gray, red, or white. Often the diameter is larger than six millimeters.
The blemish either newly appears or exhibits changes in size, shape, or color in an existing mole or lesion.
If melanoma is suspected, the first step is a skin biopsy. This procedure involves removing a small piece of skin under local anesthesia, which is then evaluated using a microscope.
The process determines if the mole or lesion is cancerous. If so, it also determines how deep the tumor has grown under the skin and if the top layer of skin over the tumor is exposed. This helps determine the stage and level of aggressiveness of the cancer.
Treatment for melanoma involves a procedure known as wide local excision. This process removes a margin or border of skin that appears healthy around the tumor, in addition to the tumor, to eliminate all of the cancer.
Treatment is individualized and based on factors that include how thick the melanoma is and certain characteristics of the tumor. Often, if the growth is less than two millimeters thick, one centimeter of skin around the tumor would be removed. If it is thicker than two millimeters, typically two centimeters of skin are taken.
The wound is closed with stitches, a skin flap, or a graft.
Early-stage melanomas are often cured by wide local excision.
Detecting and addressing melanoma as early as possible is key so that treatment is less invasive and there is a decreased chance for the cancer to spread.
Whether you have a suspicious mole or lesion or have already been diagnosed with melanoma, Dr. Fischer can provide the care you need. Click to book an appointment or call the office today at 310-807-2688.
