Cutaneous Melanoma

DEFINITION: Means for melanoma skin cancer characterized by a malignant proliferation of melanocytes able to metastasize at a distance.

ETIOLOGY: The incidence has increased in recent years , but also the prognosis is more favorable , probably due to the fact that patients come to the observation at an early stage of the disease.

SYMPTOMS: Generally asymptomatic , burning or itching can give depending on the site affected.

DIAGNOSIS : The diagnosis is clinical (Visit Specialist) , possibly supported by dermoscopy. The characteristics are dark color ( although there are varieties amelaniche) - Irregular margins – itching - asymmetric growth.

TREATMENT: The treatment is always surgical by removal and subsequent histological examination. Later in the outcome we will choose the most appropriate therapeutic definition.

COMPLICATIONS: The most important complication of melanoma is metastatic spread. In fact , if not detected promptly , some malignant cells may migrate to other parts of the body giving metastases.

SURGERY FOR SKIN NEOFORMATIONS

Any skin lesion with atypical characters , especially in the presence of familiarity , must be surgically removed and sent for histological examination.

Indications for surgery

The indication for surgery , after visiting specialist , there is always present when the neoformation skin of the dimensional variations , chromatic , of impropriety or cause itching.

Results

The goal of the surgery is the removal of the tumor while keeping the edge of the surgical specimen free. Despite this always reconstruct the wound with surgical criteria plastic type. The removal is performed under local anesthesia , obviously allows to walk immediately after the operation and resume normal activities, including the early work.

The intervention

It is performed under local anesthesia and can last depending on the extent of the lesion by 10/30 minutes. The surgical technique is the only one that allows for histological examination , now essential for the diagnostic assessment.

Conclusions relating to the intervention

• Duration intervention: 10-30 my
• Type of anesthesia: Local
• Dressings: 1/2
• Length of stay: 30 my
• Resumption of normal activities: 1 gg. ( consistent with the anatomical region and the extension)