What is Melanoma?

Melanoma, sometimes called malignant melanoma or melanocarcinoma, is a serious form of skin cancer that develops from cells called melanocytes. These cells produce melanin, the pigment responsible for your skin's color. When melanocytes begin to grow uncontrollably, melanoma can develop.

Although it’s less common than other skin cancers (like cutaneous melanoma), it’s considered the most dangerous. That’s mainly because melanoma has a higher chance of spreading, especially if it’s not identified and treated early.

Early Detection and Treatment

Early detection of melanoma is crucial. The earlier it’s diagnosed and removed, the lower the chance of complications or disfigurement. At TMSC, our specialty lies in the precise excision of melanoma lesions. We remove the affected area with the correct surgical margins and then work with pathology experts to ensure the entire lesion is gone.

Melanoma Symptoms

Melanomas often appear as changes to an existing mole or as a new, unusual growth on the skin. This can happen anywhere on your body, including hidden areas like the scalp, soles of the feet, or under a nail. Two common types include nodular melanoma and superficial spreading melanoma.

A handy way to remember what to look for is the ABCDE rule:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the spot looks different from the other half.
• B – Border: The edges are irregular, notched, or scalloped.
• C – Color: The color isn’t uniform (various shades of brown, black, or even red, white, or blue).
• D – Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
• E – Evolving: Any change in size, shape, color, or the development of new symptoms like itching or bleeding.

While many melanomas show several of these signs, others might only show one or two. Don’t ignore something just because it doesn’t fit all the criteria—if it looks or feels suspicious, it’s best to get it checked out.

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What Causes Melanoma?

Melanoma starts when the DNA in melanocytes is damaged. This damage can be caused by a mix of genetic and environmental factors, but UV (ultraviolet) exposure from the sun or tanning beds is the most well-known culprit. Prolonged or intense UV exposure can harm skin cells over time, leading to these mutations.

However, some melanomas—like acral lentiginous melanoma—can appear in areas not typically exposed to sunlight, such as the palms, soles, or under the nails. This suggests that other factors, such as genetics and immune system function, also play a role in melanoma development.

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Risk Factors to Consider

1. Fair Skin or Freckles – People with light complexions, light hair, and light-colored eyes tend to have a higher risk, although melanoma can affect anyone.
2. Family History – A close relative with melanoma increases your own risk.
3. Multiple or Atypical Moles – Having numerous or unusual-looking moles can raise the chance of developing melanoma.
4. Severe Sunburns – Getting blistering sunburns, especially in childhood, can increase risk later in life.
5. Tanning Bed Use – Artificial UV rays are just as dangerous as natural sunlight, if not more.
6. Weakened Immune System – Conditions or medications that lower your immune response can lead to higher susceptibility.

Recognizing these risk factors can help you stay vigilant about monitoring your skin and seeking prompt medical advice when you notice anything out of the ordinary.

Melanoma Surgery and Treatment in Toronto, Oakville, and Vaughan

At TMSC, our surgeons specialize in the careful excision of melanoma. Here’s what you can expect:

1. Thorough Evaluation – We start with a detailed skin exam and imaging (if needed) to determine the lesion’s size and depth.
2. Precise Excision – We remove the melanoma with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are taken out.
3. Pathology Analysis – The excised tissue is sent to pathology to confirm that the margins are clear (no cancerous cells at the outer edges).
4. Further Treatment Plans – Depending on the stage, you may need additional treatments such as immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy—especially in advanced cases (like Stage 4 melanoma).

Everything is done with the highest level of care and in a safe, sterile environment. Our surgeons are board-certified and have extensive experience in skin cancer procedures.

The Most Effective Treatment for Melanoma

The first line of defense against melanoma is surgical removal. For early-stage or in situ melanomas, a wide local excision with appropriate margins is typically sufficient. However, for more advanced stages (where melanoma has spread beyond the skin), additional treatments could be necessary:

• Immunotherapy – Helps your immune system recognize and fight cancer cells.
• Targeted Therapy – Uses drugs designed to attack specific genetic mutations within the tumor.
• Radiation – Can be used to kill remaining cancer cells, often when surgery isn’t an option or if the cancer has spread.
• Chemotherapy – Occasionally utilized, though immunotherapy and targeted therapies are more common nowadays.

Our goal at TMSC is to address your individual case with a tailored approach. We collaborate with other specialists as needed to ensure the best possible outcome.

Melanoma Surgery on the Face and Leg

When melanoma appears on highly visible or sensitive areas like the face or on the weight-bearing areas such as the legs, precision and expertise become even more critical. Our team is skilled in managing these delicate procedures:

• Minimal Scarring – We work meticulously to minimize scarring, which is especially important on the face.
• Preserving Function – When operating on the legs, we pay special attention to preserving mobility and function.
• Cosmetic Outcomes – Our surgeons are trained to preserve your appearance as much as possible while fully removing the cancer.

Recovery Time After Melanoma Surgery

Recovery varies based on factors like:

• Size and Depth of the lesion
• Location (e.g., face vs. leg vs. trunk)
• Extent of Surgery (simple excision vs. wide excision with a skin graft)

In most cases, you can expect healing to take a few weeks, but your exact timeline may differ. We’ll provide detailed post-operative instructions—covering wound care, follow-up appointments, and warning signs to watch for. We also schedule regular check-ups to ensure the cancer does not return.

What’s the Cost of Melanoma Surgery?

Good news: Melanoma surgery is covered by OHIP. You won’t have to worry about any hidden fees for the essential aspects of your surgical treatment. If you’re concerned about out-of-pocket expenses for consultations or additional procedures, you can contact us directly for more information. At TMSC, we’re dedicated to ensuring treatment remains accessible.

Why Choose TMSC?

1. Expert Surgeons
   Our board-certified surgeons are experienced in skin cancer removal, focusing on precision and patient comfort.
2. Comprehensive Care
   From your first consultation through post-surgery check-ups, we’re with you every step of the way. We aim to create a seamless, compassionate experience.
3. Safe Environment
   Our clinics follow strict safety and sterilization protocols. Your well-being is our top priority.
4. OHIP Coverage
   Melanoma treatments are covered by OHIP, making high-quality care accessible to all patients.

Contact Us

Don’t wait to address any worrisome moles or lesions. Early diagnosis of melanoma could be life-saving. Get in touch to schedule your free consultation at any of our convenient locations in Toronto, Oakville, or Vaughan.

Locations

Toronto
Address: 2920 Dufferin Street, Suite 202 Toronto ON, M6B 3S8
Email: info@theminorsurgerycenter.com
Phone: (647) 614-1611
Fax: 1 (888) 520-8818

Oakville
Address: 3075 Hospital Gate Unit 109, Oakville, ON L6M 1M
Email: info@torontominorsurgery.com
Phone: (647) 614-1611
Fax: 1 (888) 520-8818

Vaughan
Address: 2701 Rutherford Rd Building C, Vaughan, ON L4K 2N6
Email: info@torontominorsurgery.com
Phone: (647) 614-1611
Fax: 1 (888) 520-8818

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