Melanoma is the most serious of all skin cancers. It is a group of cancerous tumors composed of melanocytes, the cells that produce the melanin that colors your hair, skin, and irises. In many cases, melanoma will spread to other parts of the body, causing additional malignant tumors.
People who live in the southern United States are at an increased risk for developing melanoma. The South has more than three times as many cases of melanoma than the rest of the United States due to its latitude. Slightly more men than women have melanoma. It is uncommon among African-Americans.
There are several risk factors for melanoma. Sunlight and heat can play a role in the development of this cancer. Under normal circumstances, melanocytes are converted to melanin through a slow chemical process. This process can be altered by sunlight and heat, causing the cells to become cancerous and to reproduce.
Other risk factors include: family history of the disease; lengthy sun exposure; history of sunburns; multiple pigmented skin blemishes such as freckles, moles, and light to dark spots; fair complexion; light eyes.
Melanoma, at first, is confined to the epidermis and top layers of the dermis. People should regularly check their skin for moles - those who do have a 34 to 44 percent lower risk of developing advanced melanoma. Most melanomas are flat at first, then spread laterally across the skin as they grow. These growths have an excellent chance of removal, thereby curing the disease. However, if the lesions become raised over at least part of the surface, this could indicate downward growth of the tumor into deeper layers of the skin and, possibly, the lymph nodes and blood vessels. This year over 50,000 people will be diagnosed with melanoma. When diagnosed early, melanoma can be cured. However, melanoma is much more likely than the other types of skin cancer to metastasize, or spread, to other parts of the body. That is why it is so important to inspect your skin on a regular basis in addition to having a complete annual skin exam by a physician. It is also crucial to report any suspicious changes as soon as you notice them. How can I tell the difference between melanoma and an ordinary mole?
Most people have multiple moles on their bodies. A mole can be present at birth or it can appear later in life. Sometimes several moles appear at about the same time, especially on sun-exposed skin. Once a mole has developed, it usually stays the same size, shape and color for many years. A quick and easy way to examine your moles is by using your ABCDs.
A=Asymmetry
Test your mole for asymmetry by drawing an imaginary line down the middle: do the two halves match? Ordinary moles are usually round and symmetrical, while most early melanomas are asymmetrical.
B=Border
Ordinary moles are round or oval and have well-defined, smooth, even borders. Melanomas often have ragged, uneven or notched borders. Also, spreading of pigment from the border of the mole into surrounding skin is a warning sign of melanoma.
C=Color
Ordinary moles are usually one color throughout and are usually brown, tan or flesh-colored. Melanomas may have several colors (black, brown, red, white, blue) or an irregular pattern of colors.
D=Diameter
Moles can be many different sizes, but ordinary moles are generally less than ΒΌ inch (6 millimeters) in diameter, which is the diameter of a pencil eraser. Melanomas may be as small as 1/8 inch, but are often larger.
E=Enlargement
Ordinary moles usually do not change over time. A mole that suddenly grows in size or rapidly becomes elevated is suspicious.
Other warning signs include:
a sore that does not heal
any change in sensation such as itchiness, tenderness or pain
any change in the surface of a mole such as scaliness, oozing or bleeding
The most common locations of melanomas include:
Men: head, neck, trunk
Women: arms, legs
Please note that melanoma can occur anywhere, including under the fingernails and toenails.
You may also have systemic symptoms. These may include:
weight loss
abdominal tenderness
change in bowel habits
sores on your skinYour doctor will give you a physical exam and ask for your medical history in order to diagnose you with melanoma. He will then examine the color and size of the moles or growths on your skin and check for enlarged lymph nodes. In most cases, a biopsy of the suspicious growth will be taken. Other tests include a complete blood count, chest X-ray, and urine test.
Treatment of melanoma usually focuses on surgical removal of the growth and a border of healthy tissue surrounding it. Removing the healthy surrounding tissue ensures that the cancer is gone.
For cases of advanced melanoma, surgery may be performed in conjunction with chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and/or immunotherapy.
You can lower your risk for melanoma by using a suncreen with an SPF (sun protection factor) of 30 or higher when you are in the sun. Be aware of the early warning signs of melanoma and consult your doctor if you suspect you may have it.
