What should I do about melanoma?
Disease description:
My child has been fine for several months, but in the past couple of days, a transparent lump has appeared on the child's skin. The doctor said it's a pigmented tumor. What should I do about a pigmented tumor?
Doctor's answer (1)
Dr. Wang Xiaoyan
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer caused by the abnormal and excessive proliferation of melanocytes. 1. For early-stage, small melanomas, laser therapy or liquid nitrogen cryotherapy may be selected; both methods can selectively destroy pigment-producing cells with minimal damage to surrounding healthy tissue. Electrocautery is another option, which uses high-frequency electric current to burn the affected area, destroying pigment cells and promoting the growth of new skin cells. 2. For larger or deeper melanomas, surgical excision is the preferred treatment, enabling complete removal of the tumor tissue and allowing for pathological examination. For patients with intermediate or advanced stages, medical treatments such as targeted drugs, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy are also effective options that can improve survival rates. 3. In terms of prevention, excessive sun exposure should be avoided, sunscreen should be used, and sunglasses should be worn. If symptoms such as changes in skin color, alterations in lesion shape, or skin ulcers appear, prompt medical attention is recommended.
