Melanoma: Risk factors, diagnosis and treatment | T&F

Melanoma is not a common cancer in Ireland.

Melanoma is mainly treated with brachytherapy.

Risk factors for melanoma include skin type, and sun exposure and family history.

The distribution of melanomas diagnosed in Ireland shows higher rates in the north east and west of the country.

In women, melanomas most commonly occur on the legs; while in men, on the back.

The Fitzpatrick skin type scale has four categories, from ‘always burns’ to ‘never burns’.

All the following factors are included in the ABCDE of melanoma: Asymmetry, Bleeding, Colour change, Diameter, and Evolving.

The five principles of Sun Smart are: Slip on some protective clothing, Seek shade, Slap on a sun hat, Slop on sun protection factor, and Slide on some sunglasses.

In patients with melanoma in situ (contained within the epidermis), patients require a wide local excision with a 1cm margin.

Immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, have significantly improved survival rates for patients with advanced melanoma.