Melanoma is a type of skin cancer, starting from the melanocyte cells, which are a group of cells that produces the brown-black pigment called melanin, that gives the skin a brown or tanned color. As with most definitions there are exceptions, and sometimes melanoma cancer cells can also be purple, pink, or red in color, if the cells stops producing the coloring pigment. Melanoma can affect any part of the body and eventually spread to other parts of the body. Women often develop it around their arms and legs, men are more prone to develop it around their core. In the following we will list all the important details about melanoma.
Melanoma kills
Every year 1-2 percent of deaths in the US happens due to melanoma, and even though only 4% of all types of skin cancers constitutes of melanoma, it accounts for almost 80 percent of all deaths, which can be related to skin cancer. Melanoma is most often seen in adults, but for young women between 25-29 years old, it’s actually the most common type of cancer. In men melanoma is often seen in the age group of 30 to 49.
Excessive sunlight increases the risk of melanoma
Studies shows that the main cause of developing melanoma is due to excessive exposure to sunlight. Especially the ultraviolet rays from the sun can seriously damage your skin. Have you moreover experienced sunburns your risk of melanoma is increased. You can protect your skin from the sun by using sunscreen with high SPF.
Do you have an increased risk of developing melanoma?
Anyone can develop melanoma or any other skin cancer. However, it’s more common among the Caucasians. Especially individuals with fair skin, freckles, blue eyes and blond or red hair. Moreover, if you earlier have had melanoma or any in your family has, the risk of developing it again is increased. If you always loved the sun or have a history of many sunburns in your youth, your risk of developing melanoma is also increased. But it’s not only individuals with fair skin that develop melanoma, also individuals with darker skin, can develop melanoma and other skin cancers – especially around the palms, soles, and nails due to the skin here contains less pigment. You can lower the risk of developing melanoma if you protect your skin from the sun.
Observe any changes in the skin
If you experience an open sore or a patch that doesn’t seem to heal, it can the beginning signs of skin cancer. Any types of changes in the skin needs to be observed, and it’s always a good idea to consult a doctor.
Melanoma often starts from an already existing mole
To increase the chances of recovering, you need to detect melanoma early. Melanoma is known to grow quickly and can easily spread into the deeper layers of the sun and into any organ. Studies shows that around 30 percent of melanoma starts from an already existing mole or a dark spot. So be sure to examine any changes in your moles regularly.
The ABCDE rules of identifying melanoma
When trying to identify skin cancer you can use the ABCDE rules of melanoma. If you notice any of the following issues, you should consult a doctor:
A: Suggests asymmetry. Observe a mole if the structure is asymmetric.
B: Suggests border. If the border og the edges if the mole are blurred or ragged, you need to observe it closer
C: Implies color. If the color of the mole is uneven or with black, grey, red, or brown shades.
D: Suggests diameter. Cancerous moles are often larger in size
E: Refers to the evolving pattern. A cancerous mole might change its shape, size, or color.
No rules without exceptions
Sometimes melanoma won’t fit into the ABCDE rule as mentioned above. If you get a new mole that looks different than most of the other moles on your skin, you need to observe the changes. If one of your moles starts changing, you need to consult a doctor to get it closer examined.