Melanoma is a malignant tumor of melanocytes which are found predominantly in skin but also in the bowel and the eye. It is one of the rarer types of skin cancer but causes the majority of skin cancer related deaths. One person dies every hour from melanoma. Malignant melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. It is due to uncontrolled growth of pigment cells, called melanocytes. Despite many years of intensive laboratory and clinical research, the sole effective cure is surgical resection of the primary tumor before it achieves a Breslow thickness greater than 1 mm.
Around 160,000 new cases of melanoma are diagnosed worldwide each year. It is more common in Caucasian populations living in sunny climates than other ethnic groups. About 50,000 people dies from melanoma annually.
Malignant melanoma accounts for 75 percent of all deaths associated with skin cancer. Thus extreme measures have to be taken to diagnose and prevent melanoma from occurring.
The treatment includes surgical removal of the atypical moles; adjuvant treatment; chemo- and immunotherapy, or radiation therapy.
Causes of Melanoma
Generally, an individual’s risk for developing melanoma depends on two groups of factors: intrinsic and environmental. “Intrinsic” factors are generally an individual’s family history and inherited genotype, while the most relevant environmental factor is sun exposure.
Epidemiological studies suggest that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the major contributors to the development of melanoma. UV radiation causes damage to the DNA of cells, which when unrepairable can create mutations in the cell’s genes. When the cell divides, these mutations are propagated to new generations of cells.
The possible significant elements in determining risk include the intensity and duration of sun exposure, the age at which sun exposure occurs, and the degree of skin pigmentation. Exposure during childhood is a more important risk factor than exposure in adulthood.
How to diagnose melanoma?
Before a dermatologist performs mole removal treatments, the patient normally have to go through a skin biopsy to test whether a mole is malignant.
On the other hand, if you would like to detect melanomas while you are at home, it is recommended to learn what they look like (see “ABCDE” mnemonic below), to be aware of moles and check for changes (shape, size, color, itching or bleeding) and to show any suspicious moles to a doctor with an interest and skills in skin malignancy.
A popular method for remembering the signs and symptoms of melanoma is the mnemonic “ABCDE”:
1. Asymmetrical skin lesion.
2. Border of the lesion is irregular.
3. Color: melanomas usually have multiple colors.
4. Diameter: moles greater than 6 mm are more likely to be melanomas than smaller moles.
5. Evolution: The evolution of a mole or lesion may be a hint that the lesion is becoming malignant –or– Elevation: The mole is raised or elevated above the skin.
How do we prevent Melanoma?
Minimizing exposure to sources of ultraviolet radiation by following sun protection measures and wearing sun protective clothing (long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and broad-brimmed hats) can offer protection.
Rough rules of thumb to decreasing ultraviolet light exposure include avoiding the sun between the hours of 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. or avoiding the sun when your shadow is shorter than your height. These are rough rules of thumbs, and varies depending on your locality and your skin cancer risk.
Fair skinned individuals are at an increased risk for melanoma. Those who frequently sunbathe or sunburn easily may also be at a greater risk. If one or both of these factors applies to you, you will need to take special care in examining and observing changes to your skin or moles. Report any abnormalities to a doctor as quickly as possible. Patients with an increased number of moles may be at an increased risk for a melanoma formation.
Remember
If you would like to use any home remedies such as mole removal cream and natural mole removal treatments, do go for a skin biopsy or use the mnemonic “ABCDE” to test for any signs of Melanoma. Negligent removal of moles may lead to devastating or even fatal results if the moles are malignant.
Here is a forum for Melanoma International Foundation, if you would like to know more about Melanoma and its causes.