Melanoma

Suspecting or being diagnosed with a melanoma is a traumatic experience for anyone. William Blake has a special interest in melanoma surgery which ranges from assessing suspicious lesions through to excision, reconstruction, lymph node surgery and the care of advanced disease. A team approach is crucial with melanoma care so Mr Blake works closely with the Victorian Melanoma Service and other local and far off specialists to ensure every patient receives top quality care.

Your melanoma surgery will be individualised taking into account a range of important factors including a biopsy result, site and type of melanoma, reconstructive options and the risk of spread. Initially diagnosis will usually require a biopsy where a small piece of tissue is collected for pathological examination in the laboratory.  Proven melanomas typically require a 'wide local excision' where a broad safety margin is excised to minimise the chance of tumour recurring at the site of original development. Sentinel lymph node biopsy is a procedure to assess the risk of melanoma spread beyond the original tumour. Its place in your care may require detailed discussion. Mr Blake offers this procedure to patients where suitable and on request.

Lymph node metastasis (or spread) is a feature of relatively advanced disease and may require more extensive surgery in the armpit, groin or neck.  A radiotherapist or oncologist may be involved at this time.

Melanoma is the fourth most common cancer, usually appearing as a pigmented skin lesion. Will Blake specialises in the Removal of the Melanoma. This procedure is imperative for your well being. including Biopsy Excision, Skin Laser Surgery, mohs surgery  and removal of lymph nodes.

Malignant melanoma is staged by its Breslow thickness and Clarke level allowing surgical treatment to be tailored to the particular tumour. Excisional biopsy is often followed by wide local excision with or without sentinel lymph node biopsy (SLNB). The sentinel lymph node may provide information about possible spread. CT scans, PET scans, radiotherapy, oncolocy and melanoma clinic review are all needed at times. Advanced disease may require lymphadenectomy, axillary dissection, neck dissection or groin dissection.

For furthermore information, please visit: Victorian Melanoma Service.