Melanoma is among the most severe types of skin cancer. It can spread to any organ, and it proliferates. The condition emanates from melanocytes; the skin cells are the dark pigment responsible for skin color. Most melanomas are brown or black, but others may be purple, red, pink, or skin-colored. About a third of melanomas start in existing moles, while the rest begin in normal skin. This is why paying attention to skin changes is essential because many melanomas do not start as moles. But, the number of moles on your skin can help foretell your risk of developing melanoma. Knowing if you have a high risk of developing this condition is imperative. The reason is that melanomas grow fast and delayed treatment can make the difference between life and death.
Signs of Melanoma
Often, the initial sign of melanoma is a new mole or a change in the look of an existing one. Normal moles are usually oval or round, with a smooth edge, and typically no larger than 6mm in diameter. But, the mole size is not a conclusive sign of melanoma as a healthy mole may be more significant than 6mm in diameter while a cancerous one may be smaller. You should see a general practitioner immediately if you notice changes in an existing mole, a patch of skin, or a freckle, especially if you’ve noticed the changes within the last few weeks or months. Use the ABCDE checklist to help differentiate between melanoma and a normal mole:
- Asymmetrical. Usually, melanomas consist of two different halves that are irregularly shaped.
- Border. Melanomas have a ragged or notched border
- Colors. Typically, melanomas are a mix of two or more colors
- Diameter. Usually, most melanomas will have a diameter of more than 6mm
- Elevation or enlargement. A melanoma changes its size over time.
While melanoma can appear in any part of the body, they mostly appear on the legs in women and the back in men.
Causes of Melanoma
Experts agree that overexposure to sunlight is one of the highest risk factors for melanoma, especially when young. About 86% of melanomas occur due to overexposure to the sun’s ultraviolet rays. UV exposure can damage a cell’s DNA, which changes specific genes that impact how cells divide and grow. The probability of issues arises when the skin’s DNA gets damaged, and the cells start reproducing.
Also, ultraviolet radiation from tanning beds can increase your risk of melanoma.Tanning beds are associated with more than 6,000 melanoma cases in the United States. While anyone can have melanoma, you are at more risk if you have:
- A family history of melanoma
- Excessive sun exposure
- A personal account of melanoma
- Blue eyes, red or blond hair, freckles, and fair skin
- Live in high elevations or near the equator as it increases your exposure to UV rays
- Weakened immune system
- Many moles, more so atypical moles
- A history of using tanning beds
White people get melanoma more than those with darker skin. Those with darker skin have the condition on their nails, soles, and palms.
Treating Melanoma
Melanoma is mainly treated through surgery, but treatment depends on individual circumstances. If the condition is diagnosed and treated earlier, surgery is typically successful. When melanoma is diagnosed when it is advanced, the treatment given is mainly to reduce symptoms and slow down its spread. Usually, this includes medicines targeting specific genetic changes, such as BRAF inhibitors or those that boost the body’s immune responses to the condition.
It is, however, good to know that once you acquire melanoma, it will probably return in the future. Your risk of melanoma returning is higher if the cancer is widespread or more advanced. If your doctor thinks you are at risk of melanoma returning, you will require frequent check-ups for health monitoring. The healthcare team will also teach you how to assess your lymph nodes and skin to help identify melanoma if it comes back.