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.
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.
Risk Factors to Consider
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.
Family History – A close relative with melanoma increases your own risk.
Multiple or Atypical Moles – Having numerous or unusual-looking moles can raise the chance of developing melanoma.
Severe Sunburns – Getting blistering sunburns, especially in childhood, can increase risk later in life.
Tanning Bed Use – Artificial UV rays are just as dangerous as natural sunlight, if not more.
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:
Thorough Evaluation – We start with a detailed skin exam and imaging (if needed) to determine the lesion’s size and depth.
Precise Excision – We remove the melanoma with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure all cancerous cells are taken out.
Pathology Analysis – The excised tissue is sent to pathology to confirm that the margins are clear (no cancerous cells at the outer edges).
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.
Melanoma FAQ
Melanoma: Frequently Asked Questions
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. It develops when these cells undergo DNA damage, leading to uncontrolled growth.
Key development factors include:
UV exposure - from sun or tanning beds (primary risk factor)
Genetic predisposition - family history and inherited mutations
Immune system factors - immunosuppression increases risk
Previous skin cancers - history of melanoma or other skin cancers
Important: Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including areas not typically exposed to sun, such as the soles of feet, palms, and under nails.
Unlike other skin cancers, melanoma has a higher tendency to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not caught early, making early detection and treatment crucial.
At The Minor Surgery Center, melanoma is treated through careful surgical excision. Our board-certified surgeons remove the melanoma lesion with appropriate margins to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells.
Our comprehensive treatment approach includes:
Pre-operative assessment - thorough evaluation and staging
Surgical excision - precise removal with appropriate margins
Pathology analysis - detailed examination of excised tissue
Margin assessment - ensuring complete removal
Staging determination - guiding further treatment if needed
Follow-up care - monitoring for recurrence
Advanced technique: We use specialized surgical techniques to minimize scarring while ensuring complete cancer removal, including complex reconstructive procedures when necessary.
The excised tissue is sent for comprehensive pathology analysis to confirm clear margins and determine the melanoma's depth (Breslow thickness), which is crucial for prognosis and determining if additional treatment is needed.
During a melanoma excision at our center, you can expect a safe, sterile environment with meticulous care and precision:
Before the procedure:
Detailed consultation and consent process
Pre-operative instructions and preparation
Discussion of expected outcomes and recovery
During the procedure:
Local anesthesia - complete numbness for comfort
Precise incision - careful removal with healthy tissue margins
Hemostasis - careful control of bleeding
Closure technique - optimal healing and cosmetic results
Tissue preservation - proper handling for pathology
After the procedure:
Immediate post-operative care and monitoring
Detailed wound care instructions
Pain management guidance
Activity restrictions and timeline
Follow-up appointment scheduling
Duration: Most melanoma excisions take 30-60 minutes, depending on size, location, and complexity of the procedure.
As with any surgical procedure, melanoma excision carries some risks, but our experienced surgeons minimize these through meticulous technique and focus on safety.
Potential risks include:
Bleeding - minimized through careful surgical technique
Infection - prevented with sterile technique and proper aftercare
Scarring - minimized with advanced closure techniques
Nerve damage - rare, but possible in sensitive areas
Incomplete removal - prevented with appropriate margin planning
Recurrence - significantly reduced with proper excision
Risk reduction measures we employ:
Comprehensive pre-operative planning
Advanced surgical techniques
Sterile operating conditions
Appropriate antibiotic protocols
Detailed post-operative care instructions
Regular follow-up monitoring
Safety record: Our center maintains excellent safety outcomes with complication rates well below industry averages due to our specialized expertise and protocols.
The use of appropriate margins during excision significantly reduces the likelihood of recurrence, and our post-operative care instructions help manage healing and reduce complications.
Yes, treatment of melanoma lesions in Toronto at The Minor Surgery Center is covered by OHIP. This coverage helps ensure that patients have access to high-quality, essential care without financial barriers affecting their treatment decisions.
Follow-up appointments - post-operative care visits
Reconstructive procedures - when medically necessary
Additional treatments - if margins are positive
Additional considerations:
Referral may be required from family physician
Advanced reconstructive procedures may require specialist referral
Cosmetic enhancements beyond medical necessity may have costs
Some specialized treatments may require approval
No barriers to care: Financial concerns should never delay melanoma treatment. Our team can help navigate coverage options and ensure you receive necessary care.
Early detection of melanoma is critical because it significantly improves treatment outcomes. The sooner melanoma is caught and treated, the less likely it is to spread and cause severe complications.
Benefits of early detection:
Higher survival rates - 5-year survival >95% when caught early
Less invasive treatment - smaller surgical margins required
Reduced disfigurement - minimal scarring and tissue loss
Lower recurrence risk - complete removal more likely
Prevents metastasis - stops spread to lymph nodes/organs
Better quality of life - fewer long-term complications
Critical fact: Melanoma survival rates drop dramatically if the cancer spreads. Early-stage melanoma has a >95% cure rate, while advanced melanoma survival rates are much lower.
Staging and prognosis correlation:
Stage 0 (in situ) - Nearly 100% survival rate
Stage I - >95% 5-year survival rate
Stage II - 80-90% 5-year survival rate
Stage III - 50-80% 5-year survival rate
Stage IV - 15-25% 5-year survival rate
Early intervention typically results in better prognosis overall and allows patients to return to normal activities quickly with minimal impact on their lives.
Melanoma can exhibit changes in an existing mole or appear as a new, unusual growth. Using the ABCDE guide can help you identify suspicious lesions:
A
Asymmetry
One half doesn't match the other half
B
Border
Irregular, scalloped, or poorly defined edges
C
Color
Multiple colors or uneven color distribution
D
Diameter
Larger than 6 millimeters (pencil eraser size)
E
Evolving
Changes in size, shape, color, or symptoms
Additional warning signs:
New moles appearing after age 30
Bleeding or oozing from existing moles
Itching or tenderness in a mole
Raised surface or texture changes
"Ugly duckling" sign - mole that looks different from others
When to seek immediate evaluation: If you notice any of these warning signs, especially changes over time, consult a healthcare professional promptly for evaluation.
High-risk locations to monitor:
Back and shoulders (especially in men)
Lower legs (especially in women)
Face and neck
Palms, soles, and under nails
Areas with previous sun damage
If you suspect you have melanoma or notice any suspicious changes in your skin, seek medical advice as soon as possible. Early evaluation by a specialist is crucial for proper diagnosis and treatment.
Immediate action steps: Don't delay - melanoma can progress rapidly. Contact a healthcare professional within days, not weeks, of noticing concerning changes.
Steps to take:
Document changes - take photos to track progression
Contact your family doctor - for initial assessment and referral
Schedule specialist consultation - dermatologist or surgical oncologist
Avoid further sun exposure - protect the suspicious area
Don't attempt removal - leave it for professional evaluation
What to expect during evaluation:
Visual examination - detailed inspection of the lesion
Dermoscopy - magnified examination with special lighting
Full body skin check - comprehensive assessment
Medical history - risk factors and family history
Biopsy recommendation - if suspicious features are present
At The Minor Surgery Center, our experienced team can assess your condition, perform necessary procedures, and guide you through treatment and follow-up care for the best possible outcome.
Our commitment: We prioritize urgent melanoma cases and work to minimize wait times for suspicious lesions requiring immediate attention.
There are several types of melanoma, each with distinct characteristics and treatment approaches:
Superficial Spreading Melanoma (70% of cases):
Most common type
Grows outward before growing deep
Often develops from existing moles
Can occur anywhere on the body
Nodular Melanoma (15-20% of cases):
More aggressive, grows quickly downward
Often appears as a raised, dome-shaped lesion
May be dark blue, black, or red
Can develop without warning signs
Lentigo Maligna Melanoma (5-10% of cases):
Develops from lentigo maligna (pre-cancerous lesion)
Usually occurs on sun-damaged skin
More common in elderly patients
Often appears on face, neck, or arms
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma (2-5% of cases):
Occurs on palms, soles, or under nails
More common in people with darker skin
Not related to sun exposure
Often diagnosed at later stages
Treatment approach: While treatment principles are similar across types, the specific approach may vary based on melanoma subtype, location, and stage at diagnosis.
While not all melanomas can be prevented, you can significantly reduce your risk through protective measures and early detection:
Sun protection strategies:
Use broad-spectrum sunscreen - SPF 30+ applied generously and reapplied
Seek shade - especially between 10 AM and 4 PM
Wear protective clothing - long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats
Use UV-protective sunglasses - protect the delicate eye area
Avoid tanning beds - never use artificial UV sources
Regular monitoring:
Monthly self-examinations - check all skin areas systematically
Annual professional skin checks - especially if high-risk
Photograph suspicious moles - track changes over time
Know your skin - be familiar with your mole patterns
Lifestyle factors:
Maintain healthy diet - antioxidant-rich foods may help
Avoid immunosuppression - when medically possible
Manage other risk factors - address underlying conditions
High-risk individuals: If you have family history, multiple moles, fair skin, or previous skin cancers, discuss enhanced screening protocols with your healthcare provider.
Education and awareness:
Learn the ABCDE warning signs
Understand your personal risk factors
Teach family members about skin safety
Stay informed about new prevention strategies
After melanoma treatment, ongoing follow-up care is essential for monitoring recovery and detecting any potential recurrence or new melanomas:
Prognosis: Most patients with early-stage melanoma that has been completely excised have excellent long-term outcomes with proper follow-up care.
Additional considerations:
Family screening - genetic counseling if indicated
Psychological support - coping with cancer diagnosis
Lifestyle modifications - enhanced sun protection
Insurance considerations - coverage for ongoing care
Never skip follow-ups: Regular monitoring is crucial as melanoma patients have increased risk of developing new melanomas and other skin cancers.
Melanoma survival rates depend heavily on the stage at diagnosis, with early detection providing the best outcomes:
5-year survival rates by stage:
Stage 0 (In Situ) - 99-100% survival rate
Stage IA - 97% survival rate
Stage IB - 92% survival rate
Stage IIA - 81% survival rate
Stage IIB - 70% survival rate
Stage IIC - 53% survival rate
Stage IIIA - 78% survival rate
Stage IIIB - 59% survival rate
Stage IIIC - 40% survival rate
Stage IV - 15-25% survival rate
Factors affecting prognosis:
Breslow thickness - depth of melanoma invasion
Ulceration - presence worsens prognosis
Mitotic rate - speed of cell division
Lymph node involvement - spread to nearby nodes
Patient age - younger patients often fare better
Overall health - immune system function
Location - some sites have better outcomes
Encouraging trend: Overall melanoma survival rates have improved significantly over the past decade due to earlier detection and improved treatments.
Important considerations:
These are statistical averages - individual outcomes vary
New treatments are continually improving outcomes
Early detection dramatically improves prognosis
Complete surgical removal of early melanomas is often curative
The bottom line: Early detection and treatment provide the best chance for cure, which is why prompt evaluation of suspicious lesions is so critical.
Why Choose TMSC?
Expert Surgeons Our board-certified surgeons are experienced in skin cancer removal, focusing on precision and patient comfort.
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.
Safe Environment Our clinics follow strict safety and sterilization protocols. Your well-being is our top priority.
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 yourfree consultation at any of our convenient locations in Toronto, Oakville, or Vaughan.
Our locaitons
Toronto: 2920 Dufferin Street, Suite 202, Toronto ON M6B 3S8
Oakville: 3075 Hospital Gate Unit 109, Oakville, ON L6M 1M
Vaughan: 2701 Rutherford Rd Building C, Vaughan, ON L4K 2N6
Mississauga: 1224 Dundas Street West Unit 101 Mississauga, ON L4C 4G7
