Melanoma is the type of cancer that develops in the pigment-forming cells of the body known as melanocytes. Melanoma can be detected in its early changes as its symptoms cause changes in the appearance of the skin. The common symptoms are a mole or skin with lesions that have asymmetrical borders, itch, scale, and increase size. As melanoma is not painful, individuals need to consult a doctor if a new pigmented spot or any change in existing moles are observed.

There are a few methods to avoid melanoma. Avoiding UV rays that can cause significant damage is the most important aspect here. This can be done by inculcating the habit of applying SPF 30 every day at regular intervals and using protective clothing, sunglasses, and hats. As a rule of thumb, it is better to avoid exposure to the sun at peak hours. In addition to this, indoor tanning has shown to increase the risk of developing melanoma by 75%. Avoiding tanning beds can thereby be one of the effective prevention methods for melanoma.

In some cases, melanoma can advance and progress to more serious stages. If melanoma has spread beyond the skin, the following treatment options can be used:

Surgery
Surgery is done to remove the melanoma in the earlier stages. In the latter stages, if the condition has spread to the lymph nodes nearby, surgical methods can be employed for the removal of lymph nodes affected by cancer. Certain procedures would be needed before this surgery can be performed.

Radiation therapy
Through this treatment procedure, cancer cells are targeted by high-power energy beams that destroy the cancer cells. This treatment option is usually recommended after the surgery is done to remove the lymph nodes. In addition to that, this treatment option can also be used to relieve the symptoms of melanoma when it has spread to other regions.

Chemotherapy
This treatment procedure makes use of medicines to destroy cancer cells. The medicines can be given in the form of pills or capsules and also be administered into the patient intravenously. Chemotherapy can be done through a process known as isolated limb perfusion by administering the required medications through a vein in the arm or leg. This procedure restricts the flow of blood from the injected part to the other parts of the body, ensuring that the medications reach the affected area without affecting the other cells.

Biological therapy
This treatment procedure tries to increase the immunity so that it can fight the cancer cells effectively. This procedure makes use of materials that have either been produced by the body itself or have been developed through substances in the laboratory. The therapies used to treat melanoma make use of interleukin-2, interferon, Yervoy (ipilimumab), Keytruda (pembrolizumab), and Opdivo (nivolumab).