Melanoma

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that, although less common than other skin tumors, stands out for its aggressiveness and its potential to spread.

At the Skin Cancer Center of Hospital Italiano, we specialize in a multidisciplinary approach to this disease, supporting people from diagnosis through follow-up, with cutting-edge technology and expert professional teams.


What is Melanoma?

Melanoma originates in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the skin pigment (melanin). This cancer can appear anywhere on the body, although it is more common in sun-exposed areas. Risk factors include intense sun exposure, family history, fair skin, and having many moles.

  • Incidence: It is more common in adults, but it can occur at any age.
  • Importance of early diagnosis: When detected at an early stage, treatment is usually less invasive and the prognosis is considerably better.

Types of Melanoma

Melanoma is not a uniform disease; there are several subtypes, each with specific characteristics:

  • Superficial spreading melanoma: The most common type; it often grows slowly across the skin before invading deeper layers.
  • Nodular melanoma: Develops rapidly, forming a nodule that may bleed or ulcerate.
  • Lentigo maligna melanoma: Occurs mainly on sun-exposed areas such as the face and is more common in older adults.
  • Acral lentiginous melanoma: Less common; appears on palms, soles, or under the nails, and is more frequent in people with darker skin.
  • Mucosal melanoma: Found on mucous membranes such as the mouth, nose, or genitals; very rare.
Recognizing the melanoma type is key to choosing the most appropriate treatment and planning follow-up.

How Melanoma Is Diagnosed

Diagnosis begins with a specialized clinical evaluation. Dermatologists at the Skin Cancer Center use the following tools:

  • Visual exam and dermoscopy: Allows analysis of the structure of pigmented lesions using polarized light and magnification.
  • Biopsy: When melanoma is suspected, the lesion is partially or completely removed for histopathological analysis. This is essential to confirm the diagnosis and determine the melanoma type.
  • Sentinel lymph node analysis: In invasive melanomas, the nearest lymph node is evaluated to detect whether tumor cells are present.
Timely diagnosis and accurate testing contribute to better disease management.

Stages of Melanoma

The melanoma stage determines the extent of the disease and is essential for establishing treatment. Stages are classified from I (localized) to IV (spread):

  • Stage I: Localized melanoma, low thickness, with no lymph node involvement.
  • Stage II: Thicker melanoma, still without regional involvement.
  • Stage III: Involvement of nearby lymph nodes, but no distant spread.
  • Stage IV: Presence of metastases in distant organs (lungs, liver, brain, etc.).
    • Staging is performed through physical examination, biopsy, and additional tests.

Additional Tests

To determine the stage and extent of melanoma, several tests may be performed, such as:

  • Computed tomography (CT): Helps visualize internal organs and detect metastases.
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): Useful for evaluating the brain and other soft tissues.
  • Positron emission tomography (PET): Detects tumor activity throughout the body.
  • Blood tests: Include liver and kidney function studies and tumor markers.
  • Ultrasound: For assessment of lymph nodes and subcutaneous lesions.
These tests are ordered by specialists and jointly interpreted during multidisciplinary meetings.

Multidisciplinary Care

Melanoma care at Hospital Italiano takes place in a multidisciplinary setting, where dermatologists, oncologists, surgeons, and radiation oncologists work closely together at every stage:

  • Dermatologists: Perform the initial diagnosis, follow-up, and dermatologic monitoring.
  • Surgeons: Remove the lesion and, if needed, the lymph nodes.
  • Oncologists: Assess the need for systemic treatment (immunotherapy, chemotherapy, targeted therapies).
  • Radiation oncologists: Recommend radiotherapy in selected cases, especially for metastases or local control.
Treatment decisions are made in joint meetings where each case’s specific features are reviewed. This ensures personalized care and optimizes outcomes.

Melanoma Treatments

Treatment depends on the type and stage of melanoma. Available options include:

  • Surgery: The main treatment in early stages. It involves complete removal of the lesion with safety margins.
  • Sentinel lymph node biopsy: Helps determine whether melanoma has spread to lymph nodes.
  • Immunotherapy: Uses medications that stimulate the immune system to fight cancer cells. Indicated for advanced melanoma.
  • Targeted therapies: Act on specific mutations in tumor cells. They require genetic testing of the tumor.
  • Chemotherapy: Used less often; reserved for cases where other treatments are not possible.
  • Radiotherapy: Recommended in certain situations, such as brain or local metastases.
All treatment is provided at the Skin Cancer Center, allowing patients to receive comprehensive care without needing to travel to other facilities.

Follow-up and Monitoring

Follow-up after treatment is essential to detect recurrences or new melanomas. The follow-up plan includes:

  • Regular dermatology visits: For skin checks and early detection of new lesions.
  • Imaging tests: Depending on the initial stage and the treatment received.
  • Oncology evaluation: Overall health monitoring and assessment of possible treatment side effects.
  • Self-exam education: Guidance on checking moles and lesions at home.
  • Prevention advice: Proper use of sunscreen, protective clothing, and sun-exposure control.
Follow-up is tailored to each patient, with visit frequency varying according to risk and disease course.

The Patient Pathway

At our center, the patient journey is designed to ensure support and clarity at every stage. The process includes:

  • 1. Initial consultation: The patient visits a dermatologist for a suspicious lesion.
  • 2. Diagnosis: Dermoscopy is performed and, if needed, a biopsy.
  • 3. Staging: Additional tests are requested to determine the stage.
  • 4. Multidisciplinary meeting: The case is reviewed with dermatologists, surgeons, oncologists, and radiation oncologists.
  • 5. Treatment: Surgery, immunotherapy, targeted therapies, chemotherapy, or radiotherapy as appropriate.
  • 6. Post-treatment follow-up: Dermatology visits, imaging tests, and prevention education.
  • 7. Comprehensive support: We offer psychological support, nutritional counseling, and access to support groups.
This pathway aims to provide patients with peace of mind, clear information, and support at every step, promoting recovery and well-being.

Prevention and Education

Prevention is key in melanoma care. We recommend:

  • Avoid excessive sun exposure, especially during peak UV hours.
  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen and reapply throughout the day.
  • Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
  • Perform a monthly skin self-exam, paying attention to changes in moles and new lesions.
  • Seek medical advice if you have any concerns or notice a suspicious lesion.
Ongoing education is a fundamental part of our commitment, and our professionals are available to answer questions and provide informational talks.

Frequently Asked Questions About Melanoma

Prevention is key in melanoma care. We recommend:

  • Does melanoma always appear on the skin?
    No, it can also occur on mucous membranes and in the eyes, although this is uncommon.
  • Can all moles turn into melanoma?
    No, but it’s important to monitor them for changes.
  • Is melanoma curable?
    Yes. In early stages, cure rates are high. In advanced cases, treatments have significantly improved prognosis.
  • What follow-up tests do I need after treatment?
    Dermatology visits, imaging tests, and oncology follow-up, as indicated by your doctor.

Contact Us

If you have any questions or concerns, we invite you to contact the Skin Cancer Center at Hospital Italiano. Our team is ready to provide comprehensive care and support at every stage of the process.

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