Melanoma Treatment in Natick & Needham, MA

What is melanoma?

Melanoma is the most severe form of skin cancer. It arises when the cells responsible for pigment production in your skin (melanocytes) start to multiply uncontrollably. These cells usually provide color to your skin. However, when DNA damage (mutation) occurs—often from UV exposure—these cells can become abnormal. Over time, they may develop into a potentially dangerous tumor.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the body. It often appears in areas that receive a lot of sun, such as the face, arms, and legs. However, it can also occur in places that rarely receive sunlight, such as the soles of your feet or under your nails. It’s for this reason that we recommend checking your entire body, including those unusual spots.

What does melanoma look like?

Melanoma can have many appearances. Sometimes it starts as a new mole. At other times, it develops within an existing mole that begins to change. The most common signs follow the ABCDE rule:

A for Asymmetry: One half does not match the other.
B for Border: Edges look irregular, notched, or scalloped.
C for Color: Multiple colors or unusual shades are present.
D for Diameter: The mole is more than 1/4 inch in diameter.
E for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Other symptoms may include itching, bleeding, or a sore that doesn’t heal. Any sudden or suspicious change should be checked right away. Early melanoma can be subtle, so trust your instincts and err on the side of caution.

Can melanoma spread?

Yes. Melanoma is particularly dangerous because it can spread rapidly if not detected and treated in its early stages. Cancer cells can travel to nearby lymph nodes or to distant organs, such as the lungs, brain, or liver. When melanoma spreads, treatment becomes more complex. The good news? It’s highly treatable when detected early.

How is melanoma treated?

Melanoma treatment in Natick or Needham, MA, typically requires surgery, which involves excising the melanoma along with a margin of healthy tissue to prevent recurrence. Mohs micrographic surgery is one of the most precise and tissue-sparing treatments available for certain types of melanoma.

Our Mohs surgeon, Dr. Sameer Gupta, removes the cancerous tissue layer by layer, examining each layer under a microscope in real-time. This allows him to target only the affected tissue while conserving as much healthy skin as possible. Mohs surgery also causes minimal scarring, making it an excellent option for melanomas in delicate or visible areas.

If the melanoma has metastasized or spread to distant areas, you may need additional treatments like immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy. Our dermatologist collaborates with trusted oncologists to create a personalized treatment plan.

Do you need melanoma treatment?

Essential Dermatology prioritizes early detection and advanced treatment for melanoma. Call (508) 545-9713 (Natick office) or (508) 484-8292 (Needham office) and schedule your consultation with our team today. Let’s help you achieve your healthiest, most radiant skin.

Meet Dr. Michael Krathen

Dr. Michael Krathen is a board-certified dermatologist with over a decade of medical training and experience. He studied biology and Spanish, graduating summa cum laude from the University of Pennsylvania, where he also completed medical school. His training included a medical internship at the Beth-Israel Deaconess Medical Center in Boston and a dermatology residency at the combined Boston University/Tufts Residency Program.

Author of various medical journal articles, Dr. Krathen taught at Stanford University School of Medicine and the VA Hospital in Jamaica Plain.

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Meet Dr. Krathen