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Melanoma Removal

Melanoma is a malignant condition characterized by the development of tumors from melanocyte cells. These cells contain the pigment melanin and are located in the basal layer of the skin, mucous membranes, eyes, inner ear, brain membranes, heart, and other organs. According to statistics, melanoma is diagnosed in 5% of the population over the age of 50, with women being more commonly affected. Melanoma is considered a highly dangerous disease due to its tendency for rapid metastasis and frequent recurrence.

Causes and Symptoms of Melanoma

Melanoma most often develops from skin cells. Specialists link this to the adverse effects of both environmental and internal factors, which result in the formation of malignant melanocytes. Doctors identify the following risk factors for melanoma development:

Heredity
Multiple nevi (moles)
Constant trauma to a nevus
Excessive ultraviolet exposure, particularly from tanning beds
Weakened immune system
Xeroderma pigmentosum

Melanoma of the skin typically develops due to the malignancy of pigmented nevus cells (moles). The following specific signs may appear on the skin:

Peeling of the nevus
Changes in the shape of the mole (loss of symmetry)
Blurred or uneven borders
Inflammation (red halo around the mole)
Uneven coloring
Size over 5 mm
Itching in the mole area
Bleeding
Ulceration of the mole
Local hair loss at the nevus site
Skin thickening at the mole location

All these symptoms are a reason to consult a dermatologist at Helyos Clinic, who will help distinguish a benign pigmented nevus from early-stage melanoma.

Melanoma Diagnosis

A key step in detecting early-stage skin cancer is regular self-examination. It is important to monitor existing moles and watch for the appearance of new ones. If any changes occur, consult a dermatologist at Helyos Clinic. During the consultation, the specialist will take a detailed medical history and visually examine the skin. To assess moles in detail, the doctor will perform dermatoscopy using a magnifying device with additional lighting.

To confirm the diagnosis, the doctor may refer the patient for additional tests, including:

Complete blood count
Tumor marker blood test
Soft tissue ultrasound
Biopsy of the nevus
CT or MRI scans

It is crucial to undergo a comprehensive health examination to detect potential melanoma metastases at early stages.

Women's health package

Women's health maxi package

Indications for Melanoma Removal

Due to melanoma's rapid development and ability to metastasize, even stage 1 melanoma is an indication for surgical removal. In some cases, doctors also recommend removing pigmented nevi that have a high risk of turning malignant, such as:

A nevus located in an area of frequent friction or trauma
Rapid growth of the mole
Itching or burning sensation in the mole area
A mole that protrudes significantly above skin level
A nevus that changes shape

Surgical Removal of Melanoma in Dnipro

The most effective method of melanoma treatment is surgical excision of the malignant tumor. In Dnipro, melanoma removal is performed by highly qualified oncologic surgeons at Helyos Clinic.

The extent of surgery depends on the tumor’s stage and presence of metastases. At the early stage, the doctor performs local excision of the tumor with an additional 1 cm margin of healthy tissue. The following techniques may be used:

Traditional scalpel surgery
Curettage with electrodessication (treating wound edges with electric current)

Local anesthesia is used before the procedure. If the tumor has penetrated deeper than 1 mm into the skin, regional lymph nodes are also removed as a preventive measure. In advanced stages, comprehensive surgeries are performed, as melanoma most often metastasizes to the brain, liver, and lungs. Additionally, chemotherapy is used for stages 3–4 to increase treatment effectiveness.

After surgical removal, a postoperative wound remains, so it's essential to follow your doctor’s recommendations from Helyos Clinic carefully and regularly change antiseptic dressings to ensure proper healing and recovery.

Benefits of Melanoma Removal at Helyos Medical Center

Helyos Medical Center is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology to perform surgeries of any complexity. Our doctors apply an individualized, comprehensive approach to each patient, conducting thorough diagnostics and selecting the most effective treatment method.

In Helyos Clinic in Dnipro, experienced top-category specialists work with the latest techniques, achieving outstanding results in melanoma treatment.

Each patient room in the medical center is fully equipped to provide comfort before and after surgery.