Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. It is usually a more aggressive type of skin cancer compared to other types, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated in the early stages. Melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, but it is more common in areas that are exposed to the sun, such as the face, neck, and arms. It is important to protect your skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays and to regularly check your skin for any changes or new growths. If you notice a new mole or a change in an existing mole, it is important to have it checked by a healthcare provider.
The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. There are several characteristics of a mole that may suggest it is a melanoma, which are often referred to as the "ABCDEs" of melanoma:
Other signs and symptoms of melanoma may include:
If you have any of these signs or symptoms, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. Melanoma can be treated successfully if it is detected in the early stages.
Melanoma is caused by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. The exact cause of this uncontrolled growth is not fully understood, but it is thought to be related to DNA damage from ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or from tanning beds.
People with certain risk factors are more likely to develop melanoma than others. These risk factors include:
It is important to protect your skin from the sun and to regularly check your skin for any changes or new growths to reduce your risk of melanoma.
If melanoma is not treated in the early stages, it can spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, liver, lungs, and brain. This is called metastasis. Melanoma that has spread to other parts of the body is more difficult to treat and can be life-threatening.
Other potential complications of melanoma include:
It is important to follow your healthcare provider's recommendations for treatment and follow-up care to reduce the risk of complications from melanoma.
If you have a mole or growth on your skin that looks unusual or has changed in appearance, it is important to see a healthcare provider for an evaluation. To diagnose melanoma, your healthcare provider will perform a physical exam of the mole or growth and may recommend one or more of the following tests:
A definitive diagnosis of melanoma can only be made after a skin biopsy has been performed. If melanoma is diagnosed, your healthcare provider will determine the stage of the cancer (how advanced it is) and recommend a treatment plan.
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing melanoma:
By following these recommendations, you can reduce your risk of melanoma and other types of skin cancer.
It is important to see a healthcare provider if you notice any changes in your skin, such as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. There are several characteristics of a mole that may suggest it is a melanoma, which are often referred to as the "ABCDEs" of melanoma.
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from the pigment-producing cells (melanocytes) in the skin. It is usually a more aggressive type of skin cancer compared to other types, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, and can spread to other parts of the body if not treated in the early stages.
The most common sign of melanoma is the appearance of a new mole or a change in an existing mole. There are several characteristics of a mole that may suggest it is a melanoma, which are often referred to as the "ABCDEs" of melanoma: asymmetry, border, color, diameter, and evolution. Other signs and symptoms of melanoma may include a mole that is itchy, painful, or bleeds; a dark streak under a nail; or a growth or bump on the skin that is dark or multicolored.
Risk factors for melanoma include fair skin, sun exposure, moles, family history, and a weakened immune system.
To diagnose melanoma, a healthcare provider will perform a physical exam of the mole or growth and may recommend a skin biopsy, blood test, or imaging tests. A definitive diagnosis of melanoma can only be made after a skin biopsy has been performed.
Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer (how advanced it is) and may include surgery to remove the cancer, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or immunotherapy.
There are several steps you can take to reduce your risk of developing melanoma, such as protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding tanning beds, checking your skin regularly, knowing your family history, and avoiding unnecessary exposure to UV radiation.
Visit a doctor if you are suffering from Melanoma- Skin cancer!