Melanoma Cancer

Melanoma is a malignant change in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are the pigment cells in the skin that are responsible for tanning and UV protection of the skin. Melanoma has a high degree of malignancy and can form metastases in the early stages. Therefore, it is the most malignant form of all skin cancers.

Melanoma is more common on the face and nails. However, the entire skin should be checked by a dermatologist so that certain areas are not overlooked.

Melanoma often occurs on the face exposed to the sun, for example on the nose or lips. However, a melanoma of the eye is also possible, because the cells responsible for the eye colour in the iris are also pigment cells.

The nails of the toes and fingers can also be affected. In this case, there is often hyperpigmentation located in the area of the nail matrix. As a result, a black stripe grows out with the nail.

Recognising melanoma is not easy and especially in the early stages it is difficult to distinguish between melanoma and a mole. The diagnosis should always be done by a dermatologist. The ABCDE rule can provide a guide.

Melanoma in situ is the early stage of malignant melanoma. In this early stage, only the more superficial melanocyte layer is affected; infiltration of the underlying tissue or metastasis has not yet taken place. An important difference between melanoma in situ and malignant melanoma, is the integrity of the basal membrane of the skin. In the early stage, this membrane is still intact. Thus, this is easier to treat and healing is possible without long-term consequences.

There are different types or forms of malignant melanoma. These types differ in their appearance, the way they spread and their tendency to metastasise.

This category primarily includes melanomas of the skin that grow in areas that are not usually exposed to the sun. The spread tends to be superficial and extensive.

These melanomas are strikingly different as they have a nodular appearance on histological examination. Moreover, they grow in depth at an early stage and their metastasis goes to lymphatic and blood vessels.

Lentigo maligna melanoma grows relatively slowly and more horizontally. Metastasis occurs late, which is why the prognosis is favourable. This type of melanoma looks very similar to most melanomas in situ.

These melanomas grow on the palms of the hands and soles of the feet, and are therefore not in the typical areas that are damaged by sun exposure. The growth is quite rapid and aggressive, which is why the prognosis is rather unfavourable.

An amelanotic melanoma is a melanoma that no longer produces pigment. In principle, any type of melanoma can be amelanotic, meaning they are pigment-free and light-coloured. Therefore, this type of melanoma is often discovered late and is difficult to diagnose.

At first, melanomas are not symptomatic beyond visual skin changes (see the ABCDE rule above). Later in its development, especially with metastases, all kinds of symptoms can develop. This depends primarily on the location of the metastases. The symptoms can range from bone pain in bone metastases to neurological deficits in brain metastases. Therefore, early diagnosis by a dermatologist is particularly important.

The risk of melanoma primarily depends on the number of severe sunburns in the first quarter of life, not on the duration of sun exposure. The number of moles gives a good indication of the general risk of melanoma (more than 50 are associated with an increased risk). The second risk factor is certain genetic mutations, which causes around two thirds of all malignant melanomas.

In addition to these causes, there are additional risk factors, which are listed below:

From a more holistic, complementary medicine perspective, other influencing factors can also be considered. For example, a weak intestinal health and a poor ability to detoxify can increase the development of malignancies. Thus, for optimal prevention of cancer and other health issues, we recommend visiting a holistic doctor so that all influencing factors can be addressed.

Melanoma should always be treated primarily by a dermatologist with oncological experience. Early treatment is the most important factor for the survival rate. Depending on the stage, treatment varies and ranges from surgical removal as a whole to a combination of surgery, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.

If melanoma is suspected in the dermatological examination, excision (removal) and histological examination are carried out. If the melanoma can be removed in its entirety, the treatment ends here. If tumour remains are left in the body or if the extent of the tumour is deeper than suspected, further diagnostics are carried out, from which the therapeutic measures are determined. Following laboratory tests, scintigraphy, MRI, CT and/or X-rays, the definitive tumour stage can be determined and the relevant specialist areas (e.g. ENT or surgery) can be consulted. A treatment plan is then determined together with the oncology department. Depending on the tumour, chemotherapy, radiotherapy and surgery are used.

As conventional treatment, in addition to primary removal, can sometimes have considerable side effects, complementary therapy is possible in consultation with the oncologist.

The following is a list of some of the methods and active ingredients that have proven to be effective in the treatment of malignant melanoma.

Hyperthermia and fever therapy are also valuable adjuncts to conventional cancer therapy. These methods should always be carried out by an experienced doctor and integrated into a fully developed overall treatment concept.

Hyperthermia induces therapeutic effectiveness and potentiates adjuvant therapy with non-targeted and targeted drugs in an in vitro model of human malignant melanoma

Randomised trial of hyperthermia as adjuvant to radiotherapy for recurrent or metastatic malignant melanoma.

Hyperthermia and radiation in advanced malignant melanoma

Hyperthermia Suppresses Post – In Vitro Proliferation and Tumor Growth in Murine Malignant Melanoma and Colon Carcinoma

Mistletoe therapy has shown good results in the treatment of malignant melanoma and its effectiveness has been proven in various studies.

Successful treatment of metastatic malignant melanoma with Viscum album extract (Iscador M)

Safety and efficacy of the long-term adjuvant treatment of primary intermediate- to high-risk malignant melanoma (UICC/AJCC stage II and III) with a standardized fermented European mistletoe (Viscum album L.) extract. Results from a multicenter, comparative, epidemiological cohort study in Germany and Switzerland

Phenolic compounds from Viscum album tinctures enhanced antitumor activity in melanoma murine cancer cells

Complete remission and long-term survival of a patient with melanoma metastases treated with high-dose fever-inducing Viscum album extract

Effect of viscum album in the inhibition of lung metastasis in mice induced by B16F10 melanoma cells

Interleukin-12 is associated with the in vivo anti-tumor effect of mistletoe extracts in B16 mouse melanoma

Curcumin is a natural compound found in turmeric that has anti-inflammatory and anti-cancer properties. Curcumin can inhibit the growth of malignant melanoma and support the overall immune system.

Curcumin Inhibits the Growth and Metastasis of Melanoma via miR-222-3p/SOX10/Notch Axis

Curcumin: A new candidate for melanoma therapy?

Curcumin induces autophagy, inhibits proliferation and invasion by downregulating AKT/mTOR signaling pathway in human melanoma cells

Quercetin is a natural yellow substance found in many fruits and vegetables. This natural pigment belongs to the group of polyphenols and flavonoids and has numerous positive health properties in the body. For example, several studies have shown a therapeutic effect on melanoma.

Quercetin as an Emerging Anti-Melanoma Agent: A Four-Focus Area Therapeutic Development Strategy

Melanoma suppression by quercein is correlated with RIG-I and type I interferon signaling

Antitumor and apoptotic effects of quercetin on human melanoma cells involving JNK/P38 MAPK signaling activation

Quercetin and sulforaphane in combination suppress the progression of melanoma through the down‑regulation of matrix metalloproteinase-9

Potential Therapeutic Targets of Quercetin in the Cutaneous Melanoma Model and Its Cellular Regulation Pathways: A Systematic Review

Epigallocatechin gallate (EGCG) is a natural substance that is found in large quantities in green tea. It belongs to the flavonoids and has a wide range of effects in the body. Various studies show an anti-cancer effect in melanoma.

EGCG Inhibits Tumor Growth in Melanoma by Targeting JAK-STAT Signaling and Its Downstream PD-L1/PD-L2-PD1 Axis in Tumors and Enhancing Cytotoxic T-Cell Responses

Green tea polyphenol epigallocatechin-3-gallate suppresses melanoma growth by inhibiting inflammasome and IL-1β secretion

Epigallocatechin-3-gallate(EGCG) suppresses melanoma cell growth and metastasis by targeting TRAF6 activity

Differential Growth Suppression of Human Melanoma Cells by Tea (Camellia sinensis) Epicatechins (ECG, EGC and EGCG)

Terpenes are organic compounds from plants that have far-reaching therapeutic effects. Positive effects on melanoma have also been demonstrated in different studies.

Anticancer effect of terpenes: focus on malignant melanoma

Plant-Derived Terpenoids: A Promising Tool in the Fight against Melanom

Phytotherapy, TCM and other complementary medicine treatments can provide valuable support if they are used correctly and under the supervision of an experienced doctor. However, even natural substances can cause an imbalance in the body and do more harm than good if used incorrectly. Therefore, the use of complementary medical methods should always be viewed with a critical eye and an integrative approach is always crucial.

The 5-year survival rate is now 80% due to improved early detection and the associated treatment at an early stage. Unfortunately, it is not due to better therapies. As soon as metastasis occurs, life expectancy drops considerably.

Melanoma raises many questions, especially because of its aggressive growth. In this section, we address the most frequently asked questions on this topic.

The information listed contains relevant topics and serves to improve understanding.