Signs, Symptoms and Treatments of Melanoma

Melanoma is a fatal form of skin cancer which is predicted to claim around 6,850 lives in the United States in 2020. Figures published by the Center of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) show that melanoma is increasing in prevalence, with the number of cases more than doubling over the past 30 years.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma skin cancer develops when the cells which produce melanin (the substance responsible for tanning) mutate and begin to reproduce at an unhealthy rate. While melanoma is less common than other types of skin cancer, it is more likely to spread to other areas of the body and is therefore more dangerous. For women, melanoma typically occurs on the legs; in men, it is more common for the cancer to develop on the chest or back.

Types of Melanoma

The main types of melanoma skin cancer are:

• Superficial spreading melanoma: The most common form of melanoma which spreads along the outer layer of skin; the affected area may appear raised and is likely to be irregular in shape.
• Nodular melanoma: This form of skin cancer develops on the outer layer of skin but can grow through to deeper layers. It often appears as a bump or raised growth.
• Acral-lentiginous melanoma: This type of melanoma most commonly effects people with darker skin.
• Lentigo maligna melanoma: Commonly found on the face, neck, arms, legs, and other parts of the body that are frequently exposed to the sun.
• Amelanotic and desmoplastic melanomas: These rare forms of skin cancer are often aggressive and hard to diagnose due to their lack of pigment.

Known Causes and Risk Factors

The risk of melanoma is higher for people with family members who have had the disease. By far the biggest known cause of melanoma skin cancer is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) light from the sun or tanning beds. With repeat or excessive exposure to UV rays, DNA in melanin-producing skin cells can become damaged.

Other melanoma risk factors include:

• Weakened immunity
• Having moles
• Being fair-skinned (it is most likely to occur in blonde or red-haired people)
• Melanoma Prevention

Limiting exposure to UV rays is the most effective way to reduce your risk of developing melanoma. This should involve wearing a high-strength sunblock and remaining covered up as much as possible while out in the sun. Other melanoma prevention tips are:

• Avoid using tanning beds and lamps
• Get irregular or large moles checked out by a doctor
• Maintain good immune health

Early Signs and Symptoms

Melanoma develops differently in every patient. Skin irregularity is the earliest indicator that a cancerous growth is present. Keep and eye out for patches of skin or growths which are:

• Asymmetrical
• Not smooth bordered
• Unevenly colored
• Larger than a pencil eraser
• Changing in shape or size

Other melanoma symptoms include sores, redness, swelling, skin tenderness and changes in skin texture.

Treatment Options

The way melanoma is treated will depend on the size and location of the cancer, plus the general health of the patient. The main treatment options are:

• Surgery to remove the melanoma
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation

Melanoma treatments are most effective when the cancer is caught early. Make an appointment to see your doctor if you have any concerns about an abnormal mole or skin irregularity.