Melanoma, usually referred to as malignant melanoma, is a highly malignant tumor originating from melanocytes in pigmented areas of the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, and central nervous system. This kind of tumor is more common in adults, especially white people with white skin have a higher incidence rate, while Asians and Africans with dark skin have a lower incidence rate. Melanoma can occur in any part of the skin, but is most commonly found in the soles of the feet, toes, fingertips, and under the nails. In addition, it can also occur in mucous membranes (including visceral mucosa), ocular uvea, pia mater, and other areas.

Characteristics of melanoma

Highly malignant: Melanoma has a high degree of malignancy and is prone to metastasis.

Diversity: Its organizational structure is diverse, and tumor cells can be arranged in a nest like, cord like, or acinar pattern.

Difficult to cure: Apart from early surgical resection, there is a lack of specific treatment and poor prognosis.

The latest treatment methods for melanoma

With the continuous advancement of medical technology, the treatment methods for melanoma are also constantly being updated and improved. At present, the latest treatment methods for melanoma mainly include the following:

immunotherapy:

To combat melanoma by enhancing the body's own immune system's ability to recognize and attack cancer cells.

Commonly used drugs include PD-1 inhibitors (such as nivolumab, pembrolizumab) and CTLA-4 inhibitors (such as ipilimumab).

These drugs can relieve the inhibitory effect of tumor cells on T cells and restore the body's anti-tumor response.

Targeted therapy:

Provide precise targeting for melanoma with specific molecular abnormalities.

Common targets include BRAF, MEK, etc., which are treated through oral or injection of specific inhibitors.

Inhibitors targeting these pathways can effectively control tumor growth and have significant effects on patients carrying corresponding target mutations.

Biological therapy:

Utilize the patient's own immune cells (such as T cells) to expand and modify in vitro, and then transfuse them back into the patient's body to enhance their anti-cancer activity.

Suitable for certain recurrent or refractory cases.

Photodynamic therapy and laser therapy:

Photodynamic therapy combines the effects of photosensitizers and specific wavelength light sources to locally destroy abnormally proliferating tissues.

Laser therapy uses high-energy light to precisely destroy abnormal growths on the skin, making it suitable for small, superficial melanomas.

Surgical treatment:

Surgical resection is still the preferred treatment method for early and localized melanoma.

For resectable stage III melanoma, the standard treatment regimen is therapeutic lymph node dissection (TLND) combined with postoperative adjuvant therapy.

In summary, the treatment of melanoma requires a comprehensive consideration of the patient's specific situation and the characteristics of the tumor, and an individualized comprehensive treatment plan should be adopted. With the continuous development of medical technology, new treatment methods continue to emerge, providing melanoma patients with more treatment options and hope.