Nodular Melanoma (नोड्यूलर मेलानोमा) एक aggressive skin cancer है जो melanocytes (skin pigment producing cells) से उत्पन्न होता है।
- यह melanoma का aggressive subtype है और तेजी से फैलता है।
- Nodular melanoma आमतौर पर dark-colored, raised nodule के रूप में दिखता है।
- Commonly trunk, head, neck, और limbs पर पाया जाता है।
- Early detection critical है क्योंकि यह rapidly invasive और metastasize कर सकता है।
Nodular Melanoma क्या है (What is Nodular Melanoma)
- A fast-growing melanoma subtype
- Usually dome-shaped, firm, pigmented or non-pigmented nodule
- Unlike superficial spreading melanoma, rapid vertical growth occurs
- High risk of metastasis to lymph nodes and organs
Nodular Melanoma कारण (Causes of Nodular Melanoma)
1. UV Radiation / Sun Exposure
- Chronic exposure to sunlight or tanning beds
- Fair-skinned individuals at higher risk
2. Genetic Factors
- Family history of melanoma
- Mutations in CDKN2A, BRAF, NRAS genes
3. Skin Type & Moles
- Multiple or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi)
- Light skin, hair, and eye color
4. Immunosuppression
- Organ transplant recipients or chronic immunosuppressive therapy
Nodular Melanoma लक्षण (Symptoms of Nodular Melanoma)
- Raised nodule – dome-shaped, firm, rapidly enlarging
- Color – black, blue-black, brown, or sometimes pink (amelanotic)
- Borders – irregular or smooth
- Ulceration or bleeding in advanced lesions
- Rapid growth over weeks to months
Nodular melanoma may not follow ABCDE rule strictly, unlike other melanomas।
Nodular Melanoma कैसे पहचाने (Diagnosis of Nodular Melanoma)
- Dermatoscopic Examination – evaluates pigment network and structure
- Skin Biopsy – confirms malignancy
- Histopathology – shows vertical growth, high mitotic rate, ulceration
- Imaging (CT / PET scan) – assess metastasis in advanced cases
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy – check lymph node involvement
Early diagnosis is critical due to rapid progression and metastasis।
Nodular Melanoma इलाज (Treatment of Nodular Melanoma)
1. Surgical Excision
- Wide local excision with clear margins
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy in high-risk lesions
2. Immunotherapy / Targeted Therapy
- For metastatic disease: checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab)
- BRAF-mutated tumors: BRAF inhibitors (vemurafenib, dabrafenib)
3. Radiation Therapy
- Rarely used for local control or palliative care
4. Chemotherapy
- Limited role; used in advanced metastatic melanoma
5. Follow-up & Monitoring
- Regular skin exams every 3–6 months initially
- Imaging for detection of metastasis
Early surgical removal gives best prognosis।
रोकथाम (Prevention)
- Limit sun exposure, use sunscreen SPF 30+
- Avoid tanning beds
- Regular skin self-examination
- Monitor new or changing moles
- Genetic counseling if family history of melanoma
सावधानियाँ (Precautions)
- Promptly check any new, growing, pigmented or non-pigmented nodule
- Avoid trauma or scratching of suspicious lesions
- Follow dermatologist’s advice for biopsy or excision
- Regular monitoring for recurrence or metastasis
FAQs (अक्सर पूछे जाने वाले प्रश्न)
Q1. Nodular melanoma सबसे aggressive क्यों है?
यह vertical growth pattern और rapid progression के कारण सबसे aggressive subtype है।
Q2. क्या यह painless होता है?
हाँ, शुरू में painless हो सकता है, लेकिन ulceration या bleeding के समय pain हो सकता है।
Q3. Prognosis कैसा होता है?
Early detection में excellent prognosis, advanced/metastatic cases में poor outcome।
Q4. क्या यह किसी भी उम्र में हो सकता है?
Commonly 50–60 years में होता है, लेकिन young adults में भी हो सकता है।
निष्कर्ष (Conclusion)
Nodular Melanoma (नोड्यूलर मेलानोमा) एक aggressive skin cancer है।
Early detection, biopsy, surgical excision, और advanced immunotherapy / targeted therapy से survival rate बढ़ाया जा सकता है।
अगर किसी को rapidly growing skin nodule, color change, bleeding या ulceration दिखाई दे, तो तुरंत dermatologist या oncologist से consultation जरूरी है।