Melanoma: Symptoms, Signs, Causes, Treatment

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It develops in cells called melanocytes. These cells produce a dark pigment called melanin that gives your skin its colour. Melanoma grows fast and can spread to other organs. 

While doctors aren't clear about the exact cause of this skin cancer, exposure to UV rays increases the risk of melanoma. 

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer. However, early detection can help in getting the right treatment before it spreads.

Read on to learn more about this skin cancer, its signs, causes, and treatment options.

What are the Signs of Melanoma?

Melanoma can develop in any part of your body. However, it is mostly found on the parts that are exposed to the sun, like the face, arms, legs, and back. Timely detection of melanoma can help in better treatment of this condition. Hence, knowing its signs is crucial.

Early signs of melanoma include:

• Changes in a pre-existing mole

• Pigmented or unusual growth on the skin's surface

Doctors suggest an easier way to identify unusual moles that may be an indication of melanoma: the letters A, B, C, D, and E.

• Asymmetrical Shape: Moles that have irregular shapes, or a mole with two different halves.

• Irregular Borders: Moles that have crooked borders

• Colour Change: Unusual growths on the skin in varied colours, like black, brown, grey, white, or red.

• Diameter: Appearance of new moles that are bigger than 0.6 mm.

• Evolving: New moles that grow in size, change colours or shapes or may be followed by itchiness or bleeding.

Please inform your doctor if you notice any unusual growths, moles or sores that do not disappear, or unusual rashes or changes in the skin. 

What Causes Melanoma?

Overexposure to sunlight is the main cause of melanoma or skin cancer. The ultraviolet rays of the sun can damage the cell's DNA. This could further affect the way the cells grow. 

While anybody can develop skin cancer, certain risk factors increase your chances of melanoma. They are:

• Lighter Skin Tone: People with fairer skin tones have less melanin in the skin, which means the skin has less protection from UV radiation. 

• Family History of Melanoma: If a parent or sibling has had melanoma, then it increases your chances of developing skin cancer, too.

• Excess Ultraviolet Exposure: People living in areas near the equator are more exposed to ultraviolet radiation.

• Severe Sunburn: Excessive sun exposure can cause severe sunburn and increase the chances of melanoma.

• Weak Immune System: If you have a weakened immune system or if you have had a disease that has weakened your immune system, then you are more prone to skin cancer.

How is Melanoma Diagnosed?

To diagnose melanoma, your doctor will do some tests and procedures. They are:

• Physical Examination: Your doctor will examine your skin for any signs of melanoma. They will also ask about your health history.

• Biopsy: To determine if an unusual growth or a mole is melanoma, your doctor may remove a sample of your skin to observe it under a microscope. 

What are the Treatment Options for Melanoma?

Your doctor will prescribe a treatment for melanoma after studying the size and the stage of your skin cancer. 

1. Treatment for Early-Stage Melanoma: 

It includes surgery to remove the melanoma. It may be removed during the biopsy and require no further treatment. 

2. Treatment for Advanced Case Melanoma:

• Surgery: Your doctor will numb the skin and remove the melanoma and its surrounding skin.

• Lymphadenectomy: The lymph nodes around the affected site are removed if the melanoma has spread.

• Metastasectomy: Small pieces of melanoma are removed from other organs through this procedure.

• Targeted cancer therapy: In this procedure, doctors use drugs to attack specific cancer cells without harming healthy cells. 

• Radiation therapy: Here, high-energy rays are used to attack cancer cells and reduce tumours.

• Immunotherapy: Here the immune system is stimulated to fight cancer. 

How Can We Prevent Melanoma?

You can reduce your risk of melanoma by:

• Avoiding the Sun during Noon: This helps in preventing sunburns and tans that damage the skin and increase your chances of skin cancer. 

• Wear Sunscreen: Opt for a sunscreen of SPF 30. Apply it generously before stepping outdoors. Apply regularly if you are spending more time outdoors. Use a lip balm with sunscreen to protect your lips, too. 

• Cover Yourself with Protective Clothing: Wear long sleeved-outfits and trousers to protect your arms and legs. Wear a broad-brimmed hat or carry an umbrella before stepping outdoors. Remember to wear sunglasses, too, as they will help shield your eyes from the glare of the sun. Opt for sunglasses that block UVA and UVB rays.

• Check your Skin: Check your skin regularly for any unusual growths, moles, bumps, or marks. Use a mirror to check your face, neck, and ears, and get your scalp checked by a doctor or a family member. Examine your arms, legs, feet, the space between your toes, and also your genital area. 

Always remember, early detection of skin cancer increases your chances of complete recovery from melanoma. Visit your family doctor for a regular skin examination. 

Summing up

If you have several moles or moles that itch or bleed, please consult your doctor at the earliest. Follow a plant-based diet as it is high in antioxidants which are highly effective in strengthening your immune system and fighting cancers. Skin cancer is treatable if diagnosed early. You can also prevent it from spreading to other areas of your skin or other organs if it is detected in time. Advanced melanoma can prove to be fatal, therefore, it's advisable to take prompt action. 

For blood tests that help detect the melanoma stage, always opt for a trustworthy, certified pathological laboratory like Metropolis Healthcare.