Melanoma in West Palm Beach, FL

Name: Melanoma
Brand: AQ Surgery
Rating: 5 (12 reviews)

Melanoma is one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer. It occurs when the pigment-producing cells known as melanocytes become cancerous.

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Expert Melanoma Treatment in West Palm Beach

While early detection can significantly improve outcomes, advanced melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, including lymph nodes, tissues, and organs. Dr. Anastasiya Quimby’s expertise in skin cancer treatment, combined with her experience in advanced reconstructive techniques, makes her uniquely qualified to address both the removal of cancerous tissue and the restoration of form and function. From the early diagnosis of precancerous lesions to complex cancer surgery and reconstruction, AQ Surgery offers patients the highest standard of melanoma treatment in West Palm Beach.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color. Although it can occur anywhere on the body, melanoma most often appears on areas exposed to the sun, such as the face, arms, legs, and back. In some cases, melanoma can develop in areas not typically exposed to sunlight, like the soles of the feet or the palms of the hands.

Melanoma is considered one of the most serious forms of skin cancer because it has the potential to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, brain, and bones. When detected early, melanoma can often be treated effectively. However, if it spreads, it becomes much more challenging to treat and can be life-threatening.

woman's back with moles and skin tags being inspected

The "ABCDEs" of Melanoma

Melanoma often presents as a new mole or a change in an existing mole, such as changes in color, size, or shape. It's important to watch for the following warning signs:

Asymmetry: One half of the mole is different from the other.
Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
Color: The color is not uniform, with varying shades of brown, black, or even red, blue, or white.
Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color over time.

Early Detection Is Key

The first step in treating melanoma is early detection. Regular skin checks and awareness of any new or changing moles, freckles, or lesions can help identify melanoma in its early stages. If a suspicious lesion is found, Dr. Quimby will recommend a biopsy to confirm whether it is cancerous. For those with precancerous lesions, Proteocyte AI—a cutting-edge gene analysis tool—is available at AQ Surgery to assess the risk of these lesions progressing to melanoma. This advanced diagnostic tool analyzes gene expression patterns, helping to identify which lesions are most likely to become cancerous, allowing for early intervention and more personalized treatment.

Cancer Surgery for Melanoma

If melanoma is diagnosed, surgical removal of the cancerous tissue is typically the first line of melanoma treatment in West Palm Beach. Dr. Quimby specializes in cancer surgery, offering her patients precise and effective removal of melanoma lesions. Depending on the size, depth, and location of the melanoma, surgery may involve the excision of the lesion along with a margin of healthy tissue to ensure complete removal of cancerous cells.

For patients with melanoma in delicate or cosmetically sensitive areas, such as the face or neck, Dr. Quimby utilizes custom virtual surgery planning. This innovative technology allows her to map out the surgery in advance using 3D imaging, ensuring minimal damage to surrounding tissues and optimal post-surgical results. Virtual surgery planning is especially useful in cases where melanoma has spread to areas such as the jaw or head and neck region, allowing for precise, minimally invasive approaches.

Reconstruction After Melanoma Surgery

After melanoma surgery, patients may require reconstructive procedures to restore function and aesthetics, particularly if the melanoma is located in a prominent area or requires extensive tissue removal. In cases where large areas of tissue are removed, microvascular surgery allows for the transplantation of healthy tissue from other parts of the body to restore both form and function. Dr. Quimby’s advanced training in microvascular reconstruction ensures that patients undergoing melanoma treatment in sensitive areas, such as the face or neck, can achieve the best possible aesthetic outcomes while maintaining essential functions like speaking and eating. By using advanced microsurgical techniques, she can repair damaged nerves, helping patients avoid issues such as facial paralysis, loss of sensation, or difficulty speaking and eating.

Why Choose AQ Surgery?

Dr. Anastasiya Quimby’s expertise in cancer surgery, microvascular reconstruction, and regenerative medicine makes AQ Surgery a top choice for melanoma treatment in West Palm Beach. By integrating advanced surgical techniques with personalized care, Dr. Quimby ensures comprehensive treatment, addressing both cancer removal and the restoration of function and aesthetics. Her multi-disciplinary training in dental, medical, ENT, oncology, and plastic surgery allows her to offer a holistic approach that leads to faster recovery and improved outcomes. Focused on accurate diagnosis and individualized care, Dr. Quimby prioritizes enhancing her patients’ quality of life post-treatment, especially in complex facial tumor cases.

Advanced Melanoma Treatment at AQ Surgery

Dr. Quimby uses the latest diagnostic tools to ensure her patients receive the most innovative and effective treatments available, all within the same practice. Whether you require early intervention for precancerous lesions, advanced melanoma surgery, or reconstructive procedures, contact AQ Surgery today to schedule a consultation with our board-certified surgeon and learn more about melanoma treatment in West Palm Beach.