Overview

The deepest layer of the epidermis, located just above the dermis, contains cells called melanocytes. Melanocytes produce the skin’s pigment or color. 

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, including the head and neck, the skin under the fingernails, the genitals, and even the soles of the feet or palms of the hands. Melanoma may not be colored like a mole. It may have no color or be slightly red, which is called amelanotic melanoma.

Early melanoma could be mistaken for a mole, so it’s important to look carefully at the spots on your skin.

What is melanoma?

Melanoma, which means "black tumor," is the most dangerous type of skin cancer. It grows quickly and has the ability to spread to any organ.

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in skin cells called melanocytes, usually in parts of the body that are overexposed to the sun. Rare melanomas may occur inside the eyes or on skin or body parts that have never been exposed to the sun, such as the palms, soles of the feet, or under the nails.

What are symptoms of melanoma?

Usually, the first sign of melanoma is a change in the shape, color, size, or sensation of an existing mole. The most important warning sign of melanoma is the appearance of new skin spots or blemishes that have changed in size, shape, or color. Any change in the size, shape, color, or height of the spots on the skin, or any new symptoms, such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, may be a warning sign of melanoma. Unusual moles, sores, bumps, blemishes, marks, or changes in appearance or sensation anywhere on the skin may be a sign of melanoma or other types of skin cancer, or a warning that you may want to do so.

Melanoma is often asymptomatic, but the first sign is usually a change in an existing mole or a new spot. Melanoma symptoms usually appear initially as changes in the appearance of the skin caused by changes in the way melanocytes are formed. Moles usually appear on healthy skin and are not necessarily an early sign of melanoma.

Most melanomas are black or brown, but some are pink, red, purple, or flesh-colored. About 30% of melanomas occur in existing moles, but the rest occur on normal skin. 

What are causes of melanoma?

There are two main causes of melanoma that have been identified to date, which include exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sunlight and genetic susceptibilities. Melanoma occurs when melanocytes (cells that produce melanin) mutate and become cancerous. 

Exposure to UV radiation was suggested as a causative factor for melanoma by Henry Lancaster, who was an Australian mathematician who noted the high incidence of melanoma in Australian individuals who were exposed to a significant amount of sunlight.

Cancers can be caused by DNA mutations (or other types of changes) that keep oncogenes turned on, or that turn off tumor suppressor genes. These types of gene changes can lead to cells growing out of control. Changes in several different genes are usually needed for a cell to become a cancer cell.

How is melanoma skin cancer treated?

Depending on the severity and potential spread of the melanoma, doctors will determine the best treatment plan. Some common treatment :

• Surgery for Melanoma Skin Cancer.
• Immunotherapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer.
• Targeted Therapy Drugs for Melanoma Skin Cancer.
• Chemotherapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer.
• Radiation Therapy for Melanoma Skin Cancer.

When to see a doctor?

If you notice any new or unusual marks on your skin, it is important for you to contact a doctor.

If you are worried about a symptom, the doctor will check your skin for any symptoms of melanoma. If a mole or pigmented area of ​​skin changes or looks abnormal, the doctor may perform a biopsy of the spot, taking a tissue sample for examination by a pathologist.

Takeaway

Remember that a small part of melanoma does not start on the skin, not on the skin, such as the toenails or under the toenails, inside the mouth, and even the colored part of the eye (iris), so it’s important to show it to your doctor Any new or changed spots, In these areas. If you already have a mole, any changes in the characteristics of that point, such as raised or uneven borders, irregular shapes, discoloration, swelling, itching, or bleeding, are warning signs of melanoma. This early melanoma may be mistaken for a mole, so it is important to carefully observe the spots on the skin. and don't forget  that Exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sun, tanning beds, and beds can increase the risk of skin cancer, including melanoma.

DISCLAIMER  

Tips and suggestions mentioned in the article are for general information purposes only and should not be construed as professional medical advice.