What is Melanoma?
Causes and Risk Factors
Main risk factors include:
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Family history of melanoma
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Weak or suppressed immune system
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Prolonged sun exposure and UV radiation
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:
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A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole looks different from the other.
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B – Border: The edges are uneven, irregular, or blurred.
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C – Colour: The mole has multiple or uneven shades.
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D – Diameter: Larger than 6mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).
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E – Evolving: Any change in shape, size, or color; or new itching or bleeding.
Stages of Melanoma
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Stage 0: Cancer is limited to the outer layer of the skin and can be cured with surgery.
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Stage 1: The tumor becomes thicker and may break the surface of the skin.
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Stage 2: Melanoma grows between 1.01mm and 4.0mm and might spread to nearby tissues.
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Stage 3: Cancer spreads to nearby lymph nodes or skin.
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Stage 4: Melanoma spreads to distant organs such as the lungs, liver, or brain.
Treatment Options
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Stage 0 & 1: Surgical removal of the cancerous area.
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Stage 2: Surgery with lymph node examination to check for cancer spread.
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Stage 3 & 4: Combination of surgery, targeted therapy, and immunotherapy to stop cancer cell growth and boost the immune system.
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.
