Melanoma Treatment in Thailand

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, cells that produce pigment. The melanin that gives skin its colour is produced by these cells. Melanoma is more hazardous than other forms of skin cancer because, if left untreated, it can spread to different parts of the body.

Type of Melanoma

There are different types of skin melanoma. The most common types are:

• Superficial spreading melanoma: Approximately 7 out of 10 skin melanomas are of this sort. Initially, these tumours may seem like a dark patch on the skin that is growing larger or changing shape since they tend to spread outward on the skin's surface. Some of these melanomas begin in pre-existing moles, while others do not.
• Nodular melanoma: This type of skin cancer accounts for about 2 out of 10 cases of skin melanomas. These tumours frequently appear on the skin as a noticeable, elevated protrusion called a nodule. These nodules are usually dark brown or black but can also be pink or red. As a result, they may be challenging to locate early. By the time they are discovered, nodular melanomas are frequently more advanced than superficial spreading melanomas because they tend to grow somewhat early into deeper layers of the skin.
• Lentigo maligna melanoma: Older adults are more likely to develop this kind of melanoma. An area that receives a lot of sunlight, like the face, ears, or arms, frequently manifests as an irregularly shaped tan or brown patch. Over time, it usually grows slowly or undergoes other changes.
• Acral lentiginous melanoma (acral melanoma): This kind of melanoma begins in places like the palms of the hands, the soles of the feet, or beneath the nails that aren't exposed to the sun. People with darker complexions are likelier to have acral melanomas than other types.

What is the Importance of Timely Treatment

Timely treatment of skin Melanoma is crucial for many possible reasons :

• Preventing Spread- Early detection can prevent melanoma from spreading to other body sites, including lymph nodes and distant organs. It can be treated promptly when detected early, boosting the chances of a successful course of treatment.
• Improving Survival- Early treatment of melanoma dramatically increases the likelihood of both long-term survival and successful treatment. Early intervention reduces the chance that the cancer may spread to more advanced stages, which are more difficult to cure and have a reduced chance of survival.
• Preserving Quality of Life - Early treatment usually results in fewer complications and side effects, allowing patients to live better lives.
• Psychological Benefits- Early diagnosis and treatment can reduce stress and anxiety linked with the uncertainty of untreated cancer.
• Minimising treatment complexity- Early-stage melanomas require less invasive procedures, hence minimising treatment procedures, leading to less tissue removal and faster recovery.

What are the Common Symptoms of Melanoma

• New and unusual mole growth on the skin or changes in existing mole.
• The asymmetry of the unusual growth is not the same as the other.
• The edges are irregular. Notched, ragged or blurred.
• The skin is uneven, with shades of black and brown.
• The spot or mole is more significant than 6mm.

Causes and Risk Factors of Melanoma

The exact causes of Melanoma are not entirely understood, but several factors are involved in its development.

Causes

• UV Radiation: One of the leading causes is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from tanning beds or the sun. UV rays harm skin cells' DNA, causing mutations that may eventually lead to melanoma.
• Genetic Mutations: About 50% of melanoma cases have the BRAF gene, the most frequent genetic mutation linked to the disease.
• Family History: A family history of skin melanoma can increase the risk of melanoma due to shared genetic factors.

Risk Factors

• Fair Skin
• Excessive sun exposure- People living near the equator or at a high altitude are more prone to developing skin melanoma due to excessive UV rays exposure.
• History of Sunburns
• Numerous or Atypical Moles
• Family History
• Weakened Immune System
• Older Age
• Male gender

Latest Research and Technologies in the Treatment of Skin Melanoma in Thailand

• Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT): To minimise tissue damage and adverse effects, hospitals in Thailand treat metastatic melanoma using Stereotactic Body Radiation Therapy (SBRT) and Intensity-Modulated Radiation Therapy (IMRT).
• Immunotherapy and Targeted Therapy: Thailand offers innovative cancer medicines, including PD-1 inhibitors, BRAF/MEK inhibitors, and developing cancer vaccines and CAR-T cell therapy.
• Gene Therapy: BRAF, NRAS, and KIT mutations found by genomic sequencing in Thailand melanoma patients help guide individualised treatments and investigate CRISPR as a potential future therapeutic.

Skin Melanoma Prevention Tips

Taking proactive steps to shield your skin from damaging UV rays and preserving the general health of your skin is key to preventing skin melanoma. Here are some tips:

Sun Protection

• Use sunscreen of a broad spectrum with an SPF of not less than 30, even on cloudy days or while working indoors in front of laptops or computers.
• Wear protective clothing
• Stay in the shade when the UV radiation peaks from 10 am to 4 pm.
• Avoid tanning beds. Instead, use a cosmetic spray tan.

Regular Skin Checks

• Check for new moles or changes to existing ones on your skin regularly. Use the ABCDE rule to find suspect areas: Color change, asymmetry, uneven borders, diameter greater than 6 mm, and evolution.
• Schedule a Skin examination with a dermatologist, especially if you have a family history of skin melanoma.

Healthy Lifestyle

• Maintain a balanced diet rich in fibres that include fruits, vegetables and antioxidants for overall skin health. Drink plenty of water or water containing fruits for skin’s hydration.