Best Melanoma Doctors in Mysore

Melanoma, a type of skin cancer, originates from pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes. When these cells mutate, they divide uncontrollably, leading to the formation of melanoma. The primary risk factors for developing melanoma include overexposure to the sun, fair skin, a family history of melanoma, genetic mutations, and a history of non-melanoma skin cancer.

Mysore, along with other Indian cities, is taking steps to address the growing concern of skin cancers like melanoma through increased awareness and education initiatives. Fortunately, Mysore boasts healthcare centres with specialists who can effectively address melanoma concerns. Apollo Hospitals in Mysore offers world-class care from some of the best doctors for melanoma treatment in the country, who are committed to providing effective treatment.

Types/Stages of Melanoma

Doctors specialised in Melanoma treatment classify melanomas based on their severity using stages, They are:

Stage 0: The cancer cells are confined to the topmost layer of your skin and haven't spread deeper.

Stage I: 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: In this stage, the cancer shows that it hasn't spread beyond the original spot.

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

Stage IV: In this stage, cancer has spread to distant lymph nodes, other areas of the skin further away, or even internal organs.

Symptoms of Melanoma

Emerging signs and symptoms of melanoma include:

• New or changing moles

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

• Skin sores that fail to heal

• Painful, itchy, or sore spots

• Moles that bleed or crust

Tests to Diagnose Melanoma

Diagnosis by the best melanoma treatment doctors at Apollo Hospitals involves a comprehensive process:

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

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

• Biopsy: An excision biopsy removes the entire suspected area for microscopic examination.

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

Treatment or Surgery Options for Melanoma at Apollo Hospitals in Mysore

Apollo Hospitals in Mysore offers comprehensive care and services from some of the best malignant melanoma treatment doctors. The options include:

• Surgery: This procedure removes the melanoma and surrounding tissue to ensure complete excision of the tumour.

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

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

• Prevention and Monitoring: Regular check-ups, self-examinations, adequate sun protection and skincare are crucial components of holistic care outlined by melanoma doctors.