Modern surgical treatment of malignant skin melanoma: A brief literature overview

Strahil Strashilov, Angel Yordanov

Abstract

Background
Malignant melanoma (MM) of the skin is a rare, highly malignant tumour, affecting younger age. Its incidence rate has been rising as compared to all malignant neoplasms – 5 per cent of all newly diagnosed cancers in men, and 6 per cent of those in women.

Aims
The aim of the literature review is the present the contemporary tendencies in the surgical treatment and monitoring of patients with malignant melanoma of the skin.

Methods
Systematic Literature Review Made By Google and Science Direct.com Search Engines. Publications and guidelines in English, including the newest aspects in the overall care of patients with malignant melanoma of the skin. Information for the indications and contraindications of performing a sentinel biopsy.

Results
The study established that the most modern surgical treatment of a malignant melanoma of the skin includes: primary tumour biopsy, sentinel biopsy of the regional lymph nodes with wide re-excision of the affected area, usually with a radius of 2cm, and the removal of local recurrences, lymph and distant organ metastases. When it comes to monitoring, it has to be done according to the contemporary worldwide guidelines.

Conclusion
Successful treatment of skin MM is in direct correlation to keeping up with the most modern tendencies.
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