Melanoma is the serious type of skin cancer that beings in melanocytes, the cells responsible for the production of melanin which gives skin, hair and eyes the color. This develops as the result of unrepaired damage to the skin cells that commonly is caused by the ultraviolet radiation triggering the skin cells to rapidly multiply resulting in the malignant tumors. Most of the melanomas are black or brown in color but can also be skin-colored. Melanomas can be treated if detected in its initial stage but can be fatal particularly when it has spread to other parts of the body. The three categories of melanoma are the cutaneous melanoma which is the common type, mucosal melanoma that affects the mucous membranes of the body such as the throat and the ocular melanoma is the rare form that develops in the eye.
Causes
Research suggests that most of the melanoma cancer develops as the result of exposure to ultraviolet rays which can include the sunlight and the indoor tanning beds. Studies indicate the association of other factors such as environmental triggers, family history and genetics. This type of skin cancer can also develop among individuals who are genetically predisposed to this condition.
Symptoms
Melanoma can affect any part of the body but commonly develops in the areas that are exposed to the sun such as the legs, arms, face and the back. It can also occur in areas such as the soles of the feet and the palms of the hands. The initial signs of melanoma include the change in the existing mole and the new unusual growth on the skin. Unusual moles that can be an indication of melanoma are the presence of irregularly shaped moles, irregular notched borders of the moles, uneven distribution of colors on the moles, new growth in a mole larger than 6 millimeters and moles that can grow in size.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis involves a physical examination of the skin to assess the size, shape and the texture of the affected skin and to identify the presence of moles in other parts of the body. The lymph nodes will also be examined to look for signs of enlargement which can suggest the involvement of melanoma that has spread there. A skin biopsy will be required involving a procedure to remove a sample of the affected skin that will be examined under the microscope to detect melanoma cell. In some cases, the biopsy of the lymph node will also be required if melanoma is suspected to have spread. In the case of advanced melanoma, the biopsy samples may be tested for genetic mutations. Additional imaging tests include chest x-rays, CT scans, MRI scan, PET scan and various blood tests to determine the involvement of other organs.
Treatment
The treatment is based on the stage of cancer and the health of the individual. The initial stage is treated with surgery to remove the melanoma which can be done during the biopsy. If melanomas spread to other parts of the body, the treatment can include a surgery to remove the affected lymph nodes, chemotherapy, radiation therapy and targeted therapy to destroy cancer cells.
References
https://www.cancer.org/cancer/melanoma-skin-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/how-diagnosed.html
http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/basics/treatment/con-20026009
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/stages-types/types
