About this disease
What it is about
Black skin cancer is a highly aggressive cancer. In the early stages, a cure is possible. In the advanced stage, however, life expectancy is significantly limited. Thanks to modern medicine, however, there are good treatment options that can at least keep the disease under control. In order to detect any skin changes at an early stage, the skin should be checked regularly. The best protection is to avoid sunburns - especially in children.
Types
The most common form of black skin cancer are melanomas of the skin. However, there are also melanomas of the mucous membranes or the eye, such as conjunctival or choroidal melanomas.
Symptoms and consequences
Black skin cancer can lead to crusting and bleeding. In most cases, however, one does not notice melanoma in the early stages. If metastases are already present, the focus is usually on general symptoms such as weight loss, weakness or even pain.
What we do for you
Examination and diagnosis
If abnormalities are discovered during an examination of the skin, a comprehensive dermatological clarification is carried out. As a rule, the affected tissue is removed and examined in the laboratory. This may be followed by ultrasound and X-ray examinations such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT) or PET-CT (combination of positron emission tomography and CT in one device).
Treatment
If the suspicion of black skin cancer is confirmed, a second operation with removal of the so-called sentinel lymph node may be necessary. This is the first lymph node in the drainage area of the tumor, from which the cancer can spread further in the body. Depending on the stage, this concludes the therapy. If necessary, immunotherapy follows. If the cancer has already spread, targeted therapies by means of tablets or immunotherapies and chemotherapies by means of infusions may be considered.