Melanoma
Melanoma is one of the least common forms of cancer, but it is the most malignant skin neoplasm.
In recent years, the incidence has increased, especially among young people. Malignant melanoma metastasizes via the lymphatic or blood route to lymph nodes and internal organs, for this reason its immediate diagnosis and therapeutic treatment are of major importance. In early stages, it can be successfully treated with surgical excision and a cure can be achieved.
Surgical treatment is the treatment of choice for a lesion suspected of being melanoma and should be removed with surgical margins of 1-3 mm and sent for diagnostic biopsy.
The biopsy result determines the prognosis of the disease and, accordingly, the treatment protocol and staging.
Shallow melanomas (less than 0.8 mm according to Breslow) do not require further surgical procedures other than a wider excision.
Deeper melanomas require a special surgical technique, sentinel lymph node biopsy, which will determine whether the individual should undergo additional regional lymph node dissection.
Dr. Nikolaos Maltzaris completed his specialization in Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery at the “Agios Savvas” Anti-Cancer Oncology Hospital. He was initiated into the art of Reconstructive and Aesthetic Plastic Surgery where he gained valuable knowledge and experience.
