Melanoma
Melanoma is the most aggressive skin cancer and begins in melanin-synthesizing cells - melanocytes. Melanin is a pigment that gives the skin its color Melanoma can develop in the eyes and, rarely, in internal organs such as the intestines
The exact cause of melanoma is unknown, but exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun or tanning beds increases the risk of developing this cancer. By reducing exposure, you reduce your chances of developing melanoma
The risk of melanoma increases over the age of 40, especially in women Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer can help with early diagnosis and treatment before the cancer spreads Melanoma can be treated if the cancer is diagnosed early
Melanoma forms when the normal growth and development process in melanocytes (melanin-producing cells) is disrupted.
Normally, the growth and development of skin cells is controlled, that is, healthy, new cells replace dead cells on the surface of the skin, which are then sloughed off. When DNA damage occurs in some cells, this process becomes deregulated and cancer may develop
Exactly what causes DNA damage in skin cells and melanoma is unknown A combination of factors, such as genetic and environmental factors, is likely to play a role Doctors believe that UV rays from the sun or tanning beds are the main cause of melanoma.
Ultraviolet rays do not cause all types of melanoma, especially in areas without prolonged sun exposure. This suggests the role of other factors in the development of melanoma
Melanoma can develop in any part of the body Melanoma is most common in areas exposed to the sun for a long time, such as the back, legs, hands, and face.
Melanoma may also develop in places where the sun does not reach, for example on the soles of the feet, palms of the hands, nails Melanoma in these covered areas occurs in people with darker skin
The first signs and symptoms of melanoma are:
- Changes in a pre-existing mole
- Appearance of a new pigmented or unusual mole on the skin
- Melanoma does not always start from an existing mole, cancer can also start on otherwise normal skin
Normal moles Normal moles are uniform in color, such as flesh-colored, brown, or black. The edges (borders) of the mole are straight and demarcated, separating the mole from the surrounding skin A normal mole is oval or round and usually less than 6 millimeters in diameter (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Most people have between 10 and 45 moles Most of these moles develop before the age of 50, although some moles change color and even disappear.
Unusual, high-risk moles There are certain criteria by which you can identify atypical, unusual moles These criteria are:
- Asymmetric shape Observe whether the mole has an irregular shape, for example, if you divide the mole into two halves, are the halves different from each other?
- Incorrect boundaries Observe whether the mole has irregular, indented edges This could be a sign of melanoma
- Color change Look for moles with multiple colors or uneven color distribution
- Diameter Check to see if the mole is larger than 6 millimeters in diameter
- Male change Observe changes in the mole, whether it increases in size, changes in color, shape New symptoms and signs may also appear on the mole, such as itching or bleeding
- Cancer (malignant) moles differ visually Some have all the above signs, while others have only 1-2 odd features
Covered Melanoma Melanoma can also develop in a part of the body that is not often exposed to the sun. These areas include: the skin between the toes or fingers, the skin on the palms of the hands or soles of the feet, the scalp, or the genitals. This type of cancer is also called occult melanoma because these areas are rarely checked for melanoma When melanoma develops in a dark-skinned person, it is more common to develop a latent form
Hidden melanomas are:
- Melanoma under the nail Acral-lentigo melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that occurs under the nail, on the toes or fingers. This type of melanoma can also appear on the hands or feet Acral melanoma is more common in blacks and dark-skinned people
- Melanoma in the mouth, digestive system, urinary tract, and vagina Mucosal melanoma develops in the mucous membranes that line the nose, mouth, esophagus, anus, vagina Melanoma of the mucous membrane is difficult to diagnose because it often resembles other, more common, pathologies of these sites.
- Melanoma in the eye Melanoma of the eye, also known as ocular melanoma, is most common on the uvea, the layer beneath the sclera. Ocular melanomas sometimes cause changes in vision and may be discovered during vision exams
When to see a doctor Make an appointment with your doctor if you notice any unusual skin changes
