Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs in melanocytes, the cells that are responsible for giving color to the skin. Melanoma is considered to be a serious type of cancer that can spread to other parts of the body such as the lymph nodes and various organs. There are different types of melanoma such as nodular melanoma, acral lentiginous melanoma and amelanotic melanoma. Melanomas are usually dark in color but the amelanotic melanomas don’t have the dark pigment making it difficult to detect in their early stages. These melanomas can be purple, pinkish, normal skin color or colorless. Amelanotic melanomas can often be mistaken for benign moles, cysts or scars. This type of melanoma tends to recur or spread often than the other types of melanomas. The prognosis of amelanotic melanoma is usually poor with an estimated 75% of the affected individuals succumbing to the disease.
Causes
Although the exact cause of amelanotic melanoma is not known, it develops as the result of unrepaired damage to the skin cells that is considered to be caused by the ultraviolet radiation enabling the skin cells to abnormally multiply. Research indicates that melanoma can develop as the result of exposure to ultraviolet rays from the sunlight and the indoor tanning beds. In addition, studies suggest the association with several factors such as family history, environmental triggers and genetics to play a role in the development of this disease.
Symptoms
Considering the severity of this disease, the recognition of symptoms of this cancer is important for the early diagnosis and to improve the chance of survival. As amelanotic melanoma affects the melanin which is responsible for the color of the skin, the changes of the skin color are considered to be common symptoms of this disease. The presence of moles and spots can also be evident, easy skin damage can occur from the UV rays, irregular lesions in several parts of the body can also be noticed although the size of the lesion can vary among the affected cases. In addition, another potential symptom is the easy sunburn and the irritation or burning sensation of the skin which is all considered to be an indication of amelanotic melanoma.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on the physical examination of the abnormal skin areas and to identify the presence of moles or spots in other parts of the body. The skin biopsy involves a procedure that removes a sample of the affected skin which will be examined under the microscope for cancerous cells. To determine the involvement of other organs, additional tests will also be required such as chest X-rays, MRI scan, PET scan, CT scan and various blood tests.
Treatment
As this is potentially a fatal disease, the early diagnosis and the initiation of treatment is essential for the cure of the disease. Surgery is considered to be one of the common treatment options where the cancerous cell beneath the skin is removed to prevent it spreading to other parts of the body. Chemotherapy is the effective mode of treatment that uses medications to destroy the cancerous cells and to stop its regeneration. Immunotherapy treatment involves the immune system to fight cancer. Additional treatments can include hyperthermia, photodynamic therapy and the use of various medications.
References
http://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/melanoma/stages-types/types
https://cancerwall.com/amelanotic-melanoma-pictures-symptoms-prognosis/
