Our team supports you
Discover how we can help youReceiving a skin cancer diagnosis can be frightening, but you’re not alone. The Larivière et Massicotte pharmacy team is here to support you through this difficult time, working with your healthcare specialists to ensure the best possible pharmacological treatment. Do not lose hope: skin cancer treatments are progressing at an incredible pace, and research has never been so promising. We’re here to give you peace of mind. You focus on fighting the disease, we’ll take care of the rest.
We’re here to help you.
What is skin cancer?
How is melanoma diagnosed?
A number of steps are required before a melanoma diagnosis can be made. A dermatologist will perform a physical examination of the skin to identify any suspicious characteristics that may be indicative of melanoma, such as the presence of asymmetrical, irregular moles, or changes in the size or shape of skin lesions. If the doctor suspects melanoma, a skin biopsy is then conducted. Should a laboratory analysis confirm the presence of melanoma, further tests may be needed to detect the presence of metastases or the stage of the disease, including medical imaging and positron emission tomography (PET).
Once the stage of the disease is known, a suitable treatment can be recommended. Sometimes, melanoma diagnosis involves genetic evaluation. Early diagnosis of melanoma is essential for rapid management of the disease and to improve the chances of a cure.
What are the symptoms of melanoma?
Melanoma presents a wide range of symptoms. They mainly involve changes in existing moles, such as irregular edges, uneven colour, a diameter greater than 6 mm, and rapid growth. If you experience any unusual sensation on the skin, such as itching, ulceration, bleeding, or sharp pain in a skin lesion, please consult a doctor or dermatologist.
Regular skin self-examination, sun protection, and professional skin examinations are crucial for the prevention and early diagnosis of melanoma, which increases the chances of recovery.
How is melanoma treated?
Melanoma treatment depends on the stage of the disease, the patient’s global health, as well as individual factors. A comprehensive approach involving oncologists, surgeons, radiologists, pharmacists, and other medical professionals is often required.
Treatment is chosen according to the stage of the disease, individual factors, and the patient’s current overall health. Regular follow-ups are generally recommended to ensure the best possible outcome. In the early stages of the disease, surgery may be preferable. After surgery, residual cancer cells can be eradicated with radiotherapy. Immunotherapy can be introduced to help the patient fight the cancer cells by making the immune cells more effective against the melanoma. When certain genetic mutations are involved, targeted therapies become an option. Chemotherapy is less commonly used today but may be considered in certain situations, notably when other treatments have failed.
Our pharmacists are here to answer your questions, contact us.
How can Larivière et Massicotte support you ?
Our mission
Our committed team works hand in hand with community pharmacists, healthcare teams, and various healthcare professionals to support patients with cancer, ensuring the best possible care for them.
Common questions
What are the risk factors for melanoma?
Risk factors for skin cancer involve:
- Exposure to the sun
- Poor sun protection
- Frequent sunburn during childhood
- Having fair skin, light-coloured hair, or eyes
- Family history of melanoma
- A high number of atypical moles
- A weakened immune system
- Age
- Exposure to carcinogens
- Living in a highly sunny region
These may all have an impact in the development of melanoma.
What are the symptoms of melanoma and when should you consult your doctor?
The first symptoms of melanoma are often related to changes in moles or the apparition of new skin lesions. It’s important to know the ABCDE of moles:
- Asymmetry (irregular shape)
- Borders that are irregular
- Colours that vary
- Diameter greater than 6 mm
- Evolution (change in size, shape, or colour)
If you notice any of these signs, feel a strange sensation, or have a painful mole, consult a doctor.
What are the different stages of melanoma?
Stages can help assess the extent of the disease and guide medical specialists in determining the best course of treatment.
In stage 1, the melanoma is generally small. It’s located in the epidermis and may have spread to the dermis. There is no metastasis or invasion of lymph nodes at this stage.
In stage 2, it may have penetrated deeper into the dermis and grown, but has not yet spread.
In stage 3, the melanoma has reached nearby lymph nodes or spread to surrounding skin.
Finally, in stage 4, the melanoma has spread beyond the original area, reaching organs such as the lungs, bones, liver, or brain.
Can melanoma be prevented?
To reduce the risk of skin cancer, keep sun exposure to a minimum during the day. Apply a sunscreen of at least 30 SPF every two hours to any exposed skin areas and after contact with water, even when it’s cloudy. Wear sun-protective clothing such as long sleeves, a hat, and sunglasses. We strongly advise against using tanning beds, which considerably increase the risk of melanoma. Keep an eye on your moles and consult a dermatologist if you notice any changes. Children are more vulnerable to sun damage, and should always be properly dressed and protected.
Our pharmacists are here to answer your questions, contact us.
Resources to help you further
Consult our guides and resourcesCanadian Cancer Society - Melanoma
Society offering a wealth of relevant information on cancers. It is involved in research and offers a support network.
Melanoma Canada
Organization offering education and prevention programs and support services for patients and caregivers.
Skin Cancer Foundation
Foundation offering patient education programs and funding for research.
