Melanoma, malignant

Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops from the melanocytes, the cells that produce the pigment melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanoma is known for being the most serious and deadly form of skin cancer due to its ability to spread to other parts of the body, including the lymph nodes, lungs, brain, and other areas if not detected early.

Causes and Risk Factors

The exact cause of melanoma is not completely understood, but exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds significantly increases the risk. Other factors include having a fair skin type, a history of sunburns, numerous moles or unusual moles, a family history of melanoma, and weakened immune system.

Symptoms

Melanoma typically presents as a new mole or a change in an existing mole. The ABCDE rule is a guide to the usual signs of melanoma:

• A for Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
• B for Border: The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C for Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
• D for Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 mm across (about ¼ inch – the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller than this.
• E for Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of melanoma involves a thorough examination of the suspicious skin lesion followed by a biopsy. The biopsy is examined under a microscope by a pathologist who can determine if cancer cells are present. Further tests may be required to determine the stage of the melanoma, including CT scan, MRI, and PET scan.

Treatment

Treatment options for melanoma depend on the stage of the disease, the location of the tumor, and the patient's overall health. Options may include surgery to remove the melanoma and some of the normal tissue around it, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, chemotherapy, and radiation therapy. Early-stage melanomas can often be treated effectively with surgery alone, but more advanced melanomas may require a combination of treatments.

Prevention

Prevention of melanoma involves protecting the skin from excessive UV radiation by seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and applying sunscreen with a high SPF. Regular skin examinations by a healthcare professional and self-examinations are crucial for early detection and treatment of melanoma.

Prognosis

The prognosis for melanoma varies widely depending on the stage at diagnosis. Early-stage melanomas have a high cure rate, but advanced melanomas that have spread to other parts of the body are harder to treat and generally have a poorer prognosis.