MELANOMA
Definition
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer.
It is an aggressive skin cancer that can spread to other parts of the body. The
incidence of melanoma has been increasing over the last several decades.
What is going on
in the body?
It is normal to have moles or other benign growths on the skin. No one knows why
these moles, called nevi, occur. Damage to skin cells can cause the cells to
grow uncontrollably and become cancer cells. Melanoma arises from cells in the
superficial layers of the skin that have pigment. Sometimes the tumors look very
much like moles. However, the tumors often look black or have many colors. The
borders may not be smooth like normal moles because the tumor is invading the
tissue around it. Melanoma most often occurs on the visible skin but can occur
inside the eye or around the anus. This kind of skin cancer is very aggressive.
Cancer cells from the tumor may enter the blood stream even when the tumor is
very small and spread to other parts of the body. New tumors then and destroy
the affected tissue.
Very rarely ,some people may inherit a predisposition to develop melanoma. Most
people who develop melanoma are less than 70 years old. It is most common in
fair-skinned people but can occur in anyone.
What are the
signs and symptoms of the disease?
The most common symptom is a mole that undergoes a change in color or shape,
becoming darker and larger. Any growth on the skin that changes color, grows
unusually, or undergoes any change should be reported to a physician. become
lighter or darker become variable in color increase in size have irregular
borders itch become ulcerated and bleed
What are the
causes and risks of the disease?
Melanoma is strongly related to sun exposure. The risk for melanoma increases
with the amount of unprotected sun exposure, especially as children. As people
increasingly spend prolonged recreational time in the sun, the incidence has
increased. Blistering sunburns as children may significantly increase the risk
of melanoma. Very fair-skinned, light-haired people are most at risk.
What can be done
to prevent the disease?
Avoiding sun exposure, especially in children is critically important. Each
person should also report skin changes promptly to a physician. As with any
cancer, early detection of a melanoma will make it easier to successfully treat.
How is the
disease diagnosed?
If a melanoma is suspected, the entire lesion must be removed with extra tissue
around it. The lesion must be carefully examined under a microscope to determine
if it is a melanoma. The acronym ABCD is an easy way to remember how to
distinguish if a suspicious skin lesion needs the attention of a doctor. ABCD
stands for:
