Abstract

MELANOMA SKIN CANCER: A COMPREHENSIVE REVIEW

Omkar S. Waghmare*, Sneha S. Vairagkar, Madhuri M. Landge, Ganesh V. Bansode, Nandkishor B. Bawage and Nitin B. Lonikar

ABSTRACT

Melanoma is a malignancy derived from melanocytes, responsible fora disp roportionate number of deaths despite its incidence of less than5% of skin cancer cases. This review thoroughly discusses theepidemiology, pathophysiology, risk factors, diagnostic methods, andtherapeutic strategies of melanoma. Melanoma incidence is on theincrease worldwide, fueled by such factors as UV exposure, geneticpredisposition, and environmental influences. Advances in molecularbiology have unveiled key genetic mutations, including BRAF andNRAS, and immune evasion mechanisms responsible for its aggressivebehavior. Early detection through dermatoscopy and molecularprofiling still holds the day as localized melanoma carries excellentpr ognosis with surgical excision. The advent of immunotherapies, suchas checkpoint inhibitors (e.g., nivoluma b, pembrolizumab), andtargeted therapies against BRAF and MEK mutations has dramaticallychanged the treatment paradigms for advanced melanoma, withimproved survival outcomes. New appr oaches, including adoptive celltherapy and oncolytic virus therapy, offer new hope for refractory cases. However, metastaticmelanoma remains a major therapeutic challenge, wit h survival rates remaining low.Minimization of UV exposure and early detection through public education prevent a lot ofmelanoma incidents. Further research in the molecular pathways and personalized medicineis going to help make the disease more manageable and better. This review reflects a multidisciplinary approach against the complexity of melanoma; hence, continuousadvancement of diagnostics, treatment, and prevention is a must.

Keywords: Introduction, Definition , StagesStages,Epidemiology of Melanoma(AetiologyAetiology),UV Radiation Exposure, BRAF and NRAS Mutations, PathophysiologyPathophysiology, Risk factor, diagnosis, Treatment, Immunotherapy, Checkpoint Inhibitors, Targeted Therapy,