Melanoma: The Most Severe Skin Cancer

What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives color to your skin. When these cells start to grow uncontrollably, they form melanoma. If not treated in time, it can spread to other parts of the body.

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Causes and Risk Factors

Melanoma commonly appears on sun-exposed areas such as the back, legs, arms, face, neck, and scalp.

It can also develop in less-exposed areas, including the soles of the feet, under the fingernails, and between the toes.

Main risk factors include:

• Family history of melanoma

• Weak or suppressed immune system

• Prolonged sun exposure and UV radiation

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Early Signs of Melanoma

In the early stages, melanoma may not show obvious symptoms. The most common warning sign is an unusual change in the skin, such as a new mole, a scaly patch, a rash, or a sore that doesn’t heal.

To easily identify suspicious moles, follow the ABCDE rule:

• A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.

• B – Border: The edges are uneven, irregular, or blurred.

• C – Colour: The mole has multiple or uneven shades.

• D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

• E – Evolving: Any change in shape, size, or color; or new itching or bleeding.

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Stages of Melanoma

• Stage 0: Cancer is limited to the outer layer of the skin and can be cured with surgery.

• Stage 1: The tumor becomes thicker and may break the surface of the skin.

• Stage 2: Melanoma grows between 1.01mm and 4.0mm and might spread to nearby tissues.

• Stage 3: Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or skin.

• Stage 4: Melanoma spreads to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.

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Treatment Options

• Stage 0 & 1: Surgical removal of the cancerous area.

• Stage 2: Surgery with lymph node examination to check for cancer spread.

• Stage 3 & 4: Combination of surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to stop cancer cell growth and boost the immune system.

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Key Takeaway

Early detection saves lives. Examine your skin regularly, protect it from harmful UV rays, and consult a dermatologist if you notice any suspicious changes.