Malignant Melanoma, or melanoma, is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes. Melanocytes are skin cells that make the pigment, melanin, that gives skin its color. According to the Cleveland Clinic, melanoma “grows quickly and has the ability to spread to any organ.” The exact cause of melanoma is not known, however, there are many ties to sun exposure; specifically ultraviolet (UV) light. Melanoma can occur on any part of the body, usually the skin. The Mayo Clinic states that it usually appears as a mole or enlarges an existing mole. Characteristics of these moles include: asymmetrical shape, change in color, change in size, new itchiness or bleeding, and unusual borders.
Fortunately, when spotted early enough, melanoma is curable. Melanoma is most common in those under the age of 40, especially women (Mayo Clinic). In fact, melanoma has a “99% cure rate if caught in the earliest stages” (Cleveland Clinic). Therefore, it is vital to understand what the symptoms of melanoma are in order to catch it in its early stages. With this, it must be understood that anyone can develop melanoma. However, there are certain groups who are more vulnerable. Some groups include those with a personal and/or family history; those with fair skin, freckles, blond or red hair and blue eyes; excess sun exposure, including blistering sunburns, a history of tanning bed use, and a weakened immune system (Cleveland Clinic).
Melanoma can be professionally diagnosed in five stages: stage 0 (melanoma in situ): the melanoma is only in the top layer of skin (the epidermis), stage I: low-risk primary melanoma with no evidence of spread. this stage is generally curable with surgery, stage II: features are present that indicate a higher risk of recurrence, but there is no evidence of spread, stage III: the melanoma has spread to nearby lymph nodes or nearby skin, stage IV: the melanoma has spread to more distant lymph nodes or skin or has spread to internal organs (Cleveland Clinic). According to the National Cancer Institute, some ways that medical professionals can identify melanoma are skin exams and biopsies such as shave biopsies or excisional biopsies. Lastly, there are several ways that medical professionals can treat melanoma. Some treatments are melanoma surgery, lymphadenectomy (removal of lymph nodes), metastasectomy (removing melanoma from organs), radiation therapy, and immunotherapy. Since melanoma is not too hard to contract, it is important to know how to prevent it. The main idea is to avoid excess sun/UV exposure. Some ways to implement this are to avoid tanning beds, seek shade, apply proper sun protection, and to wear clothing that shields you from the sun (Cleveland Clinic).
Works Cited
“Melanoma - Symptoms and Causes.” Mayo Clinic, https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/melanoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20374884. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
“Melanoma: Symptoms, Staging & Treatment.” Cleveland Clinic, https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/14391-melanoma. Accessed 25 Nov. 2024.
Melanoma Treatment - NCI. 8 Nov. 2024, https://www.cancer.gov/types/skin/patient/melanoma-treatment-pdq.
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