Melanoma

Introduction to Melanoma

Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can develop in anyone. When caught early, it’s highly treatable, with cure rates close to 100%. However, because melanoma can spread to other parts of the body, it is considered the deadliest type of skin cancer. Anyone can get melanoma.

Why Does Melanoma Occur?

The most significant risk factor for melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light, whether from the sun or tanning beds. However, not all melanomas are caused by UV exposure. Genetics also play a crucial role, and having a close relative with melanoma increases your risk.

Certain factors can elevate your risk of developing melanoma:

  • Light skin, hair, and eyes.
  • Skin that burns easily or doesn’t tan well.
  • A high number of moles, especially unusual ones.
  • A history of severe sunburns, particularly in childhood.
  • Personal or family history of melanoma.
  • Regular use of indoor tanning beds.
  • A compromised immune system.

Melanoma in Skin of Color

While melanoma is less common in individuals with darker skin, it often appears in areas not usually exposed to the sun, such as the bottoms of the feet, palms, inside the mouth, and under the nails. Regular checks of these areas are crucial for early detection.

Spotting Melanoma

Early detection of melanoma significantly increases the chances of successful treatment. Use the “ABCDE” rule to remember the warning signs:

  • Asymmetry: One half doesn’t match the other.
  • Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.
  • Color: Uneven shades of brown, black, or other colors.
  • Diameter: Larger than 6mm (the size of a pencil eraser), though melanomas can be smaller.
  • Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or color over time.

Regular Self-Checks

  1. Examine your entire body in a full-length mirror, including front, back, and sides.
  2. Bend elbows and closely inspect forearms, upper arms, and palms.
  3. Look at the backs of your legs, between your toes, and the soles of your feet.
  4. Use a hand mirror to check the back of your neck and scalp.
  5. Don’t forget your back and buttocks.

If you notice anything suspicious, a dermatologist will perform a skin biopsy, removing part or all of the growth to check for cancerous cells under a microscope. This is the only way to confirm if it’s melanoma.

Treatment Options

  • Excision: Surgical removal of the melanoma and some surrounding tissue.
  • Mohs Surgery: A specialized procedure where the cancer is removed layer by layer and examined until no cancer cells remain.

For more advanced melanoma, treatment options may include immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiation, or chemotherapy.

Preventing Melanoma

Protecting your skin from UV exposure is key to preventing melanoma:

  • Seek shade during peak sun hours (10 a.m. to 2 p.m.).
  • Wear protective clothing, including a wide-brimmed hat and UV-blocking sunglasses.
  • Use a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher on all exposed skin, and reapply every two hours or after swimming/sweating.
  • Avoid tanning beds, which emit harmful UV rays.
  • Perform regular skin self-exams and see a dermatologist for any changes.