What is Melanoma?
Melanoma, or skin cancer, manifests in the melanocytes, or cells that make up melanin (a pigment compound). Generally, melanoma starts as a mole on the surface of the skin, but it can also occur in other parts of the body, including the intestines or eyes. The National Cancer Institute reported almost 63,000 new cases of melanoma in 2008, and an estimated 8,420 people died as a result of melanoma in that same year.
About the disease
Melanoma is essentially the formation of malignant cancer cells form in skin cells, or melanocytes. These cells are found throughout the lower portion of the epidermis (outer/upper level of the skin). Melanocytes are responsible for creating melanin, or the pigments that give the skin color. As skin is exposed to sunlight, melanocytes produce more melanin, which result in a tan, or darkened skin color. Melanoma that begins in the skin is known as cutaneous melanoma. In rare cases, melanoma manifests in the eye, and this is called intraocular melanoma. In addition to melanoma, there are two other forms of skin cancer recognized by the National Cancer Institute: basal cell skin cancer and squamous cell skin cancer.
Effects of the disease
Melanoma is very aggressive, and can be found on essentially any part of the human body. In men, melanoma is usually found on the body between the shoulders and hips (the “trunk”) or on the skin of the neck or head. In women, it typically manifest on the arms and legs. In general, only adults are diagnosed with melanoma (those 18 or older). Individuals diagnosed with melanoma may have to undergo invasive procedures to remove affected areas of the skin, such as cancerous moles and skin and the underlying and surrounding tissue. This may result in the formation of scars. People who suffer from melanoma may have to limit or avoid their time in the sun to prevent reoccurrence of the disease. It can also spread to the lymph nodes, creating additional health issues for those suffering from melanoma.
Who gets Melanoma?
Individuals who spend quite a bit of time in the sun are considered to be at an increased risk of developing melanoma and other skin cancers. In addition, people with moles or red or blond hair are also at a higher risk of receiving a melanoma diagnosis. Individuals who spend time in tanning booths, where they are exposed to ultraviolet radiation, are at a very serious risk of contracting melanoma. As with other forms of cancer, such as ovarian cancer, people with a family history of this disease are likely to develop it. People who are in their twenties and above and are of Caucasian descent are also more likely to develop melanoma, as is anyone with fair skin, lighter hair, blue eyes and/or freckles.
How is Melanoma Diagnosed?
A dermatologist is often the one to discover the presence of melanoma and other skin cancers. Individuals who have an unusually-shaped mole that tends to change shape and color and is often irritated may visit their doctor with concerns, and their doctor will ultimately recommend a dermatological exam, along with blood tests. An invasive biopsy is often used to test moles or other skin tissue for melanoma.
How is Melanoma Treated?
How a patient will respond to melanoma treatment depends on how early their cancer was detected, as well as their overall health and the size of the cancerous tissue. The first step in treating melanoma and other skin cancers is usually to remove the harmful tissue. This is usually a simple surgical process, and with advanced dermatological and plastic surgery methods in place, the patient may not have any visible scarring. In extreme cases, a skin graft may be necessary for patients who have to have a large amount of tissue removed. In certain instances, a patient may be advised to undergo chemotherapy and/or radiation following surgical removal of the melanoma. It is generally recommended that individuals with melanoma avoid or greatly limit their time in the sun and wear sunscreen with a high SPF on a daily basis, even when it is cloudy. They must also visit a dermatologist regularly and check their skin frequently for changes in pigment or the growth of new moles.
Last modified: December 28, 2010.
