Melanoma

What Causes Melanoma?

Key risk factors include:

• Prolonged sun exposure without protection or frequent use of tanning beds;
• Large number of moles or pigmented spots;
• Family history of melanoma;
• Fair skin, light eyes, and blonde or red hair;
• Frequent sunburns in childhood or adolescence.

Warning Signs – ABCDE Rule

Pay attention to changes in moles using the ABCDE system:

• A – Asymmetry: One half is unlike the other;
• B – Border: Irregular or blurred edges;
• C – Color: Uneven color or sudden color changes;
• D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm;
• E – Evolution: Any rapid changes over time.

If you notice any of these signs — consult a dermatologist immediately.

Diagnosis and Staging

• Dermatoscopy: A fast, painless examination of suspicious skin lesions;
• Biopsy and imaging tests (Ultrasound, CT, MRI) may follow if needed;
• Breslow thickness measures how deep the tumor has grown — less than 1 mm means a >90% survival rate;
• Clark level describes which layers of the skin are affected.

Treatment Options for Melanoma

Depends on stage and tumor characteristics. Common options include:

• Surgery: Removal of the tumor with margins; often effective in early stages.
• Immunotherapy: Drugs like pembrolizumab (Keytruda) or nivolumab (Opdivo) boost the immune system. Side effects are usually mild (fatigue, rash).
• Targeted Therapy: Effective for BRAF mutations (~50% of cases). Drugs include vemurafenib (Zelboraf) and dabrafenib (Tafinlar), taken for 6–12 months.
• Chemotherapy: Used less often today, primarily for palliative care.
• Radiation Therapy: Reserved for advanced cases with metastases to relieve symptoms.

Prevention Tips

• Use SPF 30+ sunscreen and reapply every 2 hours and after swimming;
• Avoid sun exposure from 11 AM to 4 PM;
• Wear protective clothing and sunglasses;
• Perform monthly skin self-checks and see a dermatologist annually;
• For children: use SPF 50+ and UV-protective clothing;
• Avoid tanning beds — even one session increases melanoma risk by 75%; use self-tanners instead.
  Important: UV rays penetrate clouds — up to 80% still reach the skin even on cloudy days.

In Russia, doctors follow the latest treatment protocols, including immunotherapy and targeted drugs. The MARUS platform helps international patients access quality melanoma treatment in Russia at every step.