Melanoma is the most serious kind of skin cancer. This cancer develops in the melanocytes that give pigment to the skin. This kind of cancer usually forms on the skin, but it can also create tumours in the eyes or inside the nose and throat.
The common symptoms of melanoma are:
Everyone should be aware of the characteristics of moles that are not usual in shape and appearance. The common way to remember what to look for is to think of the letters ABCDE. A is for asymmetrical shape, B is for irregular border, C is for changes in the colour of the skin or the mole, D is for diameter, and E is for evolving. Moles that are more than 6 mm in size and that are evolving or changing shape and appearance are the most concerning symptoms of this kind of cancer.
The cause of Melanoma is not well-understood, but excessive exposure to the sun is linked with the development of this kind of cancer. This cancer forms tumours on the skin when the cells that make up the melanocytes begin to divide too rapidly.
Those who suntan or who use tanning beds are more likely to develop melanoma. Those with a family member who has melanoma or another kind of skin cancer are also more likely to get melanoma as well. Regular exposure to UV rays and radiation can be a risk factor for this kind of cancer and is usually pointed to as the cause of most cases of melanoma.
The common risk factors for this kind of cancer are:
Diagnosis of this kind of cancer is usually made through a biopsy of the abnormal tissue. In some cases, the mole or patch of skin is small enough that it is excised or removed completely and sent to the lab for testing. The thickness of the mole or area of changing skin is important in determining the stage of the cancer. If the melanoma is sufficiently large or thick, more tests will be done to make sure that the cancer has not spread to other areas of the body.
PET scans and blood work can be used to help identify cancer that has spread to other parts of the body. Patients who have been diagnosed with melanoma will usually also be monitored closely for other skin cancer lesions on a regular basis since early diagnosis can usually prevent this kind of cancer from spreading.
Prevention of this kind of skin cancer involves ensuring that you do not get sunburned on a regular basis and that you limit your exposure to the sun in the middle of the day. You should also wear sunscreen year-round or use protective clothing that blocks the sun’s rays. Avoid the use of tanning beds and lamps, and make sure that you are familiar with the shape and nature of any moles that you have on your body. This kind of cancer can be treated and prevented from spreading very readily if changes to moles or patches of skin are noted early.
Treatment of melanoma requires removal of the affected tissue through surgery. Most patients will be placed on immunotherapy treatment to help support immune system function to prevent future cancers. If the melanoma has spread to other parts of the body, targeted therapy or chemotherapy and radiation might be used to attack cancer that has developed in other parts of the body. Prevention of this kind of cancer is relatively easy, and paying attention to changes in your skin can ensure that you do not have to go through the full cancer treatment process related to your melanoma.