Melanoma is a malignant tumor. It develops from pigment-forming cells, which are called melanocytes and are capable of producing melanin, protecting skin from ultraviolet radiation. As a rule, melanomas are formed on open areas of the body, although they can also appear on the mucous membranes, the retina of the eyes or in the anus. It should be noted that timely diagnosis and therapy of this disease increases the chances of recovery of patients.
The removal of these data by operative meansis, as a rule, the main method of therapy. Carrying out the operation at the early stages of the development of the disease makes it possible to achieve good results. Depending on the stage of development of tumors and their size, the following methods of melanoma treatment can be performed by surgery:
When localizing neoplasms on the hands orLegs in the past were widely amputated. To date, this technique is abandoned, since extensive excision also gives good results. If necessary, the lymph nodes are removed with their further microscopic examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells. In advanced stages of cancer, surgical removal of metastases can be performed.
Melanoma treatment with chemotherapy presupposestaking drugs that kill cancer cells. As a rule, oral forms or means for intravenous administration are prescribed. It should be noted that drugs for chemotherapy kill cells that quickly divide, so this treatment can damage the bone marrow, mucous membranes of the mouth and intestines, as well as hair follicles. Treatment with melanomas is often carried out with such drugs: "Dakarbazine", "Cisplatinum", "Temozolomide", "Paclimaxel".
Treatment with melanoma must includeactivities aimed at strengthening immunity. It should be noted that immunotherapy in certain cases can be used even in the late stages of the cancer process.
Patients may be prescribed cytokines. These are proteins that reveal a general stimulating effect on the immune system. Most often used are "Interferon-alpha" or "Interleukin-2" in the form of intravenous or subcutaneous injections. Such treatment with melanomas allows to reduce the size of tumors even at the 3-4 th stage of cancer.
In cases where a tumor is removed orstop the cancer process is impossible, symptomatic treatment aimed at eliminating the pain syndrome is carried out. First, prescribe non-opioid analgesics - "Aspirin", "Paracetamol", and if necessary - opioid analgesics based on morphine. Palliative care may also include radiation therapy that is unable to cure cancer completely, but helps to suppress its rapid development. In addition, radiation treatment can be carried out as an auxiliary after surgical removal of the tumor.
In those sad cases, when diagnosedMelanoma, treatment, cost and scope of possible surgical interventions are determined individually, taking into account the oncological process, its prevalence and developmental level.
</ p>
