Melanoma is one of the most common and most serious forms of skin cancer. It develops in the skin cells that are responsible for producing melanin. While the exact cause of melanoma is not fully understood, excessive exposure to ultraviolet light from the sun or tanning beds puts individuals at increased risk for developing the disease. When detected early, melanoma is often treatable, but in later stages, it can be deadly.
Melanomas most commonly develop in areas exposed to sunlight, but they may also occur on other parts of the body. In most cases, the first signs include changes to an existing mole or the development of an unusual new growth on the skin. Moles are common in adults, but there are certain factors that may indicate a mole is cancerous. Asymmetrical shape, irregular border, changes in color, large diameter, and changes that occur over time may indicate a cancerous mole. In some cases, however, it does not begin as a mole. It may occur on normal-looking skin, making it very difficult to detect. Any unusual skin changes should be examined by a doctor as soon as possible.
Diagnosing melanoma
The first step in diagnosing melanoma is a visual examination by a doctor. The doctor may also obtain family history because genetics play a role in one’s likelihood of developing this type of cancer. To reach a complete diagnosis, a biopsy is necessary. During this simple procedure, all or part of a growth is removed and sent to a laboratory for further testing. If testing reveals melanoma, further testing may be required for staging purposes. Based on the thickness of the melanoma and whether or not it has spread, doctors can determine what stage the cancer is. Knowing the stage of cancer allows doctors to choose an effective treatment and determine an individual’s prognosis.
Recovering From Melanoma
When melanoma is detected in its early stages, it can often be removed without further complications. Because melanoma has a high rate of recurrence, however, patients should still undergo regular skin cancer screenings. In later stages, more aggressive types of treatment may be necessary. When the diseases has spread, some patients may require surgical removal of affected lymph nodes. Others may need chemotherapy or radiation therapy to kill cancerous cells. When other organs are affected, additional treatments and medications may be required. In later stages where major organs are affected, the chance of surviving melanoma is greatly reduced.
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