Texas Melanoma Specialists

Best Melanoma Specialists in Texas

Team Dermatology has the best melanoma specialists in Texas. We have been treating people with this condition for years and have helped a number of patients get the care they need.

Our team of experts is dedicated to helping you understand your diagnosis and treatment options, as well as providing you with the care you need to feel confident in your recovery process.

Types of Melanoma

Types of melanomas are determined by how a sample of tumor cells appears under a microscope. These cells are taken during an operation or biopsy. Knowing the type is crucial since it can inform your doctor about the location and rate of growth of the melanoma.

Four Main Types of Skin Melanoma

This condition has four main types.

• Superficial SpreadingThe most prevalent kind of superficial spreading melanoma. It initially spreads throughout the epidermis of the skin. It can eventually pierce the skin further.

Superficial Spreading

• NodularThe second most typical kind is nodular. It typically grows swiftly, which makes it potentially aggressive. Its most typical characteristic is a firm-to-the-touch hump or node that rises above the skin's surface.

Nodular

• Lentigo MalignaThe face, scalp, or neck are the typical sites for lentigo maligna melanoma to appear. Typically, older individuals with severely sun-damaged skin are affected.

Lentigo Maligna

• Acral LentiginousA rare illness called acral lentiginous melanoma affects persons of various races and socioeconomic backgrounds. The majority of cases of melanoma in people of African and Asian origin are this type. It can grow under the toenails and fingernails as well as on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet.

Acral Lentiginous

Rare Skin Melanomas

Amelanotic, nevoid, spitzoid, and desmoplastic melanoma are some further uncommon variants or subtypes.

• Eye MelanomaThe eyes can also be impacted in various locations by this condition. Choroidal. The most prevalent type of eye melanoma is choroidal melanoma. The pigmented layer below the retina is where it starts. Conjunctival. Melanoma that starts in the transparent conjunctiva, which covers the surface of the eye and the interior of the eyelids, is referred to as conjunctival melanoma. Iris. The central layer of the eye, which comprises the colored iris surrounding the pupil, is where iris melanoma first appears.

Eye Melanoma

• Choroidal. The most prevalent type of eye melanoma is choroidal melanoma. The pigmented layer below the retina is where it starts.
• Conjunctival. Melanoma that starts in the transparent conjunctiva, which covers the surface of the eye and the interior of the eyelids, is referred to as conjunctival melanoma.
• Iris. The central layer of the eye, which comprises the colored iris surrounding the pupil, is where iris melanoma first appears.
• Mucosal MelanomaSome melanomas can develop from tissues that line the body's interior cavities. Mucosal melanoma is the name given to these tumors. The head and neck area, the anus, the vagina and vulva, and the digestive tract are where they most frequently manifest.

Mucosal Melanoma

Melanoma Causes

When exposed to UV radiation from the sun or other sources, such as solariums, the chance of developing melanoma rises, especially when sunburnt episodes occur during childhood.

A higher chance of developing this condition exists among those who:

• exposure to UV rays without protection.
• a history of tanning and sunburn as a child.
• a pattern of frequent brief but intense UV exposure.
• possessing a lot of moles (nevi): at least 50 on the torso, plus 10 or more on the arms above the elbows.
• a rise in the number of unusual moles (dysplastic nevi).
• immune systems that are weak.
• a first-degree relative who has a family history
• Fair skin, freckles, light eyes (blue or green), light or red hair, and a propensity to burn rather than tan.

Melanoma Symptoms

The initial sign of melanoma is typically a change in an existing mole or the emergence of a new lesion.

These alterations could involve:

• A mole’s color may fluctuate, have several color tints, or become blotchy.
• a mole may appear to grow in size.
• An elevated region could form on the mole.
• bleeding or itching

Dark spots under the nails or on the mucous membranes lining the mouth, vagina, or anus are further signs.

It’s typical for new moles and spots to develop, change, and occur during childhood, adolescence, and pregnancy. Adults should visit their doctor to have any new spots or moles evaluated, though.

Melanoma Diagnosis

This condition can have a variety of appearances. Typically, a new spot or alteration in an existing mole is the first indication.

• Physical ExaminationYour doctor will examine you if you do detect any changes to your skin and carefully verify any areas you've mentioned have changed.

Physical Examination

• BiopsyAn excision biopsy is performed together with the complete removal of the lesion on your skin if the doctor has a suspicion that a mole on your body might be melanoma. A professional will then look at this under a microscope to see if there are any cancer cells present.

Biopsy

• Scanning The Lymph NodesAs this condition can occasionally spread to other parts of your body via the lymph veins, your doctor may check the lymph nodes close to the melanoma to determine whether they are swollen. Additionally, your doctor might advise a biopsy to remove cells from an enlarged lymph node for microscopic analysis.

Scanning The Lymph Nodes

Melanoma Risk Factors

• light skin. Less melanin (the skin’s pigment) means less defense against harmful UV rays.
• a background of sunburns. Your risk of developing this condition can be impacted by one or more painful, blistering sunburns.
• excessive exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light Exposure to UV radiation, which is produced by the sun, tanning beds, and tanning lamps, can raise your chance of developing skin cancer.
• living at a higher elevation or closer to the equator. UV radiation exposure is higher for individuals who live nearer to the equator, where the sun’s rays are more direct, than for those who live farther north or south.
• having uncommon or numerous moles. Having more than 50 common moles on your body raises your risk of developing this condition. Additionally, the risk of this condition is increased by having a unique type of mole.
• a family history. You have a higher risk of developing this condition if a close relative, such as a parent, child, or sibling, has the disease.
• compromised immune system. Melanoma and other skin malignancies are more common in those with compromised immune systems.

Our Melanoma Treatment

Surgery to remove this condition is frequently used as a treatment for early-stage melanomas. A very thin melanoma could be completely eliminated during the biopsy and not need any additional care.

A border of healthy skin and a layer of tissue beneath the skin will also be removed by your surgeon if necessary. It’s possible that this is the sole therapy required for persons with early-stage melanomas.

Treatment options for this condition that has migrated outside the skin include:

• Surgery
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted Treatment
• radiation treatment
• Chemotherapy

Melanoma Prevention

Your chance of developing this condition and other types of skin cancer can be decreased if you:

• Avoid being in the sun at midday. You are constantly exposed to UV radiation, and clouds do little to block its harmful rays. You can reduce your risk of developing skin cancer by avoiding exposure to the sun during its peak hours.
• All year long, use sunscreen. Even on cloudy days, wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30. Reapply sunscreen every two hours, or more frequently if you’re swimming or perspiring.
• Put on safety gear. Wear dark, tightly woven clothing that covers your arms and legs, along with a broad-brimmed hat that offers more protection than a baseball cap or visor, to protect your skin.
• Don’t use tanning beds or lamps. UV rays are produced by tanning beds and lamps, which raises your risk of developing skin cancer.
• Learn about your skin so that you can spot changes. Check your skin frequently for new skin growths or alterations to moles, freckles, lumps, and birthmarks that already exist. Examine your face, neck, ears, and scalp using mirrors.
• Check the tops and bottoms of your arms, hands, and trunk, as well as your chest. Examine your feet, especially the soles and the gaps between your toes, as well as the front and rear of your legs. Additionally, look between your buttocks and your genitalia.

Melanoma Treatment Cost

At Team Dermatology, we offer a wide range of treatments. We have an experienced team of dermatologists who specialize in treating all types of skin cancers including this condition. Our team is fully equipped with state-of-the-art technology to provide you with the best care possible. Call us today to know more about our Melanoma treatment cost.

Why Choose Team Dermatology For Your Melanoma Treatment?

Proven track record

Our doctors are board certified and have been recognized for their expertise in treating skin cancer.

Safe and effective treatments are available

Team Dermatology offers multiple treatment options for people who have been diagnosed with this condition.

Experienced staff of doctors and nurses

The board-certified dermatologists at Team Dermatology are dedicated to giving their patients the best possible medical, surgical, and cosmetic dermatology care.

Convenient location

Team Dermatology has two dermatology clinics, one in Memorial and the other in Sugar Land, both of which are conveniently located in Texas.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is melanoma?

The cells that make melanin, the pigment that gives your skin its color, grow into this condition, the most dangerous type of skin cancer. Additionally, this condition can develop in your eyes and, very rarely, inside your body, like in your throat or nose.

Where does melanoma usually appear on the body?

You can get this condition anywhere on your body. Your back, legs, arms, and face are the places where they typically appear because of sun exposure. The palms of your hands, the bottoms of your feet, and the undersides of your fingernails are examples of places where melanomas can develop that don’t get a lot of sun exposure.

What are the complications of melanoma?

If melanoma is discovered at an advanced stage, the patient may experience a number of difficulties. A few of them consist of:

• the skin sore becoming infected
• the sore’s skin necrosis and pain
• A disorder known as lymphoedema causes the patient’s lymph nodes to malfunction and fluid to accumulate in the limbs.