Melanoma or malignant melanoma is a type of cancer that develops from pigment-containing cells called melanocytes. They normally occur in the skin, but can at times occur in the mouth, eyes, and intestines. It mostly occurs on the legs of women and on the backs of men, and afflicts men more than women. About 25% occurs from moles that change in color, increase in size, appear irregular in shape, and become itchier.
The main cause of melanoma is ultraviolet light (UV) exposure in those with low levels of skin pigment…meaning white males and females are more at risk to get affected. The UV light may be from the sun or other sources, like tanning devices.
Avoiding UV light may prevent melanoma, which is typically removed by surgery. Most patients are cured if spread has not occurred. So early detection is vital. For those whom melanoma has unfortunately spread, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy, or biological therapy may increase chances of survival. With treatment, the five year survival rates in the US is 99% for those with localized disease, 65% when spread has occurred to the lymph nodes, and 25% for those with distant spread. Melanoma is the most dangerous type of skin cancer.
Here are the symptoms to watch out for.
New Spot on Skin or Changed Mole.
The first sign of melanoma is a new spot on the skin, or change in the size, shape, or color of a mole. The ABCDE method may help you determine whether it is melanoma.
