Best Melanoma Doctors in Lucknow

Types/Stages of Melanoma

Melanoma treatment doctors classify melanomas based on their severity using stages, They are:

Stage 0 (Melanoma in situ): This is the earliest stage. The cancer cells are confined to the topmost layer of your skin and haven't spread deeper.

Stage I: Early-stage Melanoma: The cancer is still in its initial stage and hasn't spread to other parts of the body. This stage often has a high chance of cure through surgery.

Stage II: Higher Risk of Recurrence: The melanoma shows features suggesting a higher risk of the cancer coming back after treatment. However, it hasn't spread beyond the original spot.

Stage III: Spread to Lymph Nodes or Nearby Skin: The cancer cells have spread to nearby lymph nodes or grown to a small area in the surrounding skin.

Stage IV: Advanced Melanoma: The cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, other areas of the skin further away, or even internal organs. This is the most advanced stage.

Symptoms of Melanoma

Recognising early signs and symptoms can facilitate timely intervention:

• Appearance of new moles or changes in existing ones

• Changes in the size, shape, colour, or texture of existing moles

• Skin sores that fail to heal

• Painful, itchy or tender spots

• Bleeding or crusting of moles

Tests to Diagnose Melanoma

Several diagnostic tests are performed by the best melanoma doctors at Apollo Hospitals:

• Physical Examination: The doctor examines the skin for any changes or abnormalities.

• ABCDE Examination: This method checks for potentially cancerous moles based on asymmetry, irregular borders, uneven colours, diameter greater than 6mm, and evolving changes.

• Biopsy: The excision biopsy procedure involves the removal of the entire suspect area for microscopic examination.

• Imaging Tests: CT, MRI, or PET scans are performed to check for distant spread.

Treatment or Surgery Options for Melanoma at Apollo Hospitals in Lucknow

The expert melanoma treatment doctors at Apollo Hospitals in Lucknow offer a range of treatment options:

• Surgery (Wide Local Excision): This surgical intervention involves the removal of the melanoma and surrounding tissue.

• Immunotherapy: This treatment with a medicine that helps the body's immune system to kill cancer cells.

• Radiation Therapy: This treatment is used when melanoma has spread to lymph nodes or other parts of the body.

Early detection and consultation with the best melanoma treatment doctors can significantly enhance treatment outcomes.