What are the signs, symptoms, and causes of melanoma (skin cancer).

 

Melanoma: Signs, Symptoms, and Causes

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin, which gives skin its color. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a better prognosis.

Signs and Symptoms

The primary signs and symptoms of melanoma often appear on the skin and can be identified using the ABCDE rule:

• Asymmetry: One half of the mole or skin lesion does not match the other half.

• Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.

• Color: The color is not uniform and may include shades of brown, black, pink, red, white, or blue.

• Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser), although melanomas can sometimes be smaller.

• Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color over time.

Additional symptoms to watch for:

• A sore that does not heal.
• Redness or a new swelling beyond the border of a mole.
• Itching, tenderness, or pain in an existing mole.
• Changes in the surface of a mole, such as scaliness, oozing, bleeding, or the appearance of a lump or bump.

Causes

Melanoma is caused by damage to the DNA of skin cells, leading to uncontrolled growth and division of melanocytes. The primary causes and risk factors include:

• Ultraviolet (UV) Radiation: Excessive exposure to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds is the leading cause. UV radiation damages the DNA in skin cells.

• Genetics: A family history of melanoma increases the risk, suggesting a genetic predisposition.

• Skin Type: Individuals with fair skin, light hair, and light-colored eyes, who freckle or sunburn easily, are at a higher risk.

• Moles: Having many moles or atypical moles increases the risk of developing melanoma.

• Immune Suppression: People with weakened immune systems, such as those who have had organ transplants, are at higher risk.

• Age: While melanoma can occur at any age, the risk increases as people get older.

• History of Sunburns: Severe, blistering sunburns, especially in early life, increase the risk of melanoma.

• Environmental Factors: Living closer to the equator or at a higher elevation increases UV exposure.

Prevention

Preventing melanoma involves protecting your skin from UV radiation:

• Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Avoid tanning beds.
• Seek shade, especially during midday hours.
• Regularly examine your skin for any changes and visit a dermatologist annually for a professional skin exam.

Early detection and treatment are key in managing melanoma, so being vigilant about skin changes and protective measures is crucial.