Melanoma skin cancer

Main

Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin pigment in the skin. It occurs when these cells grow uncontrollably and form a tumor, which can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. For example, a person with fair skin who spends a lot of time in the sun without proper protection may develop a cancerous mole on their back or shoulders.

Causes of melanoma include:

1. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure from the sun or tanning beds

2. Genetic mutations in the melanocytes

3. Weakened immune system

Risk factors for melanoma include:

1. Fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes

2. Family history of melanoma

3. Having many moles or unusual moles

4. History of sunburns or excessive sun exposure

5. Weakened immune system

Treatment strategies for melanoma depend on the stage of the cancer and may include:

1. Surgery to remove the tumor and surrounding tissue

2. Immunotherapy to help the body's immune system fight the cancer

3. Targeted therapy drugs that attack specific mutations in the cancer cells

4. Radiation therapy to kill cancer cells in a specific area

5. Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout the body

Terms

• Cancer: A disease in which cells grow uncontrollably and can invade nearby tissues or spread to other parts of the body.

• Melanocytes: Cells in the skin that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin its color.

• Metastasis: The spread of cancer cells from the original tumor to other parts of the body.

• Mole: A growth on the skin that is usually benign but can sometimes develop into melanoma.

• Tumor: An abnormal mass of tissue that results from uncontrolled cell growth. It can be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous).

• Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Invisible rays from the sun or tanning beds that can damage skin cells and lead to skin cancer.

Analogy

Imagine your skin is like a garden, and the melanocytes are like flowers. In a healthy garden, the flowers grow and bloom in a controlled manner. However, if something goes wrong and the flowers start to grow out of control, they can take over the entire garden and even spread to neighboring gardens. This is similar to how melanoma can grow and spread in the body if not caught and treated early.

Misconception

Many people believe that melanoma only affects older adults or those with fair skin. However, melanoma can occur in people of all ages and skin types. In fact, melanoma is one of the most common cancers in young adults. Another misconception is that melanoma is not serious if it is caught early. While early detection does improve the chances of successful treatment, melanoma can still be life-threatening if not treated promptly.

History

1. 1804: The first description of melanoma was made by René Laennec.

2. 1938: The first successful removal of a melanoma was performed by Dr. George Pack.

3. 1960s: The link between sun exposure and melanoma was established.

4. 1980s: Public awareness campaigns about the dangers of sun exposure and the importance of early detection began.

5. 2011: The FDA approved the first targeted therapy for melanoma, which has improved survival rates for patients with advanced disease.

How to use it

1. Perform regular self-examinations of your skin, looking for any new or changing moles or spots. Use the ABCDE method (Asymmetry, Border, Color, Diameter, Evolution) to identify potential melanomas.

2. Protect your skin from UV radiation by wearing protective clothing, using sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30, and avoiding prolonged sun exposure, especially during peak hours.

3. If you notice any suspicious moles or spots, schedule an appointment with a dermatologist for a professional evaluation. Early detection and treatment are key to preventing the spread of melanoma.

Facts

• Melanoma accounts for only about 1% of all skin cancers but causes the majority of skin cancer deaths.

• The risk of melanoma doubles if you have had more than five sunburns in your life.

• People with more than 50 moles have an increased risk of developing melanoma.

• The survival rate for melanoma is 99% when caught and treated early, but drops to 27% if it spreads to distant organs.

• Australia has the highest rate of melanoma in the world, with 1 in 14 men and 1 in 24 women diagnosed before the age of 85.