Melanoma Skin Cancer is a type of cancer that forms in the melanocytes – a certain type of skin cell. A major risk factor of Melanoma is overexposure to the Sun.
Among the different kinds of skin cancers, Melanoma is not the most common, but it is the most serious because of how fast it spreads.
The month of May is known for its awareness of Melanoma and Skin Cancer. It is indicated by a black coloured ribbon.
Medication Information for treating Melanoma Skin Cancer
Quick facts about Melanoma:
• A significant portion of Melanoma cases are diagnosed in women under the age of 40 years
• Melanoma skin cancer can spread to different parts of the body at the early stages as compared to other skin cancer types
• It is recommended to avoid the use of tanning beds as the UV rays from them can destroy skin elasticity and fibres.
• Because of its quick spread, early detection of this cancer is critical to survival.
• Avoiding overexposure to the Sun is a very effective method of avoiding Melanoma
It is estimated that in the year 2019, there will be about 96,000 new cases of Melanoma Skin Cancer.
How does Melanoma occur?
Melanoma generally forms in the cells called melanocytes that produce the pigment called melanin that gives the skin it's colour.
The cause of Melanoma isn't fully known, although any exposure to UV or Ultraviolet radiation from the Sun or even tanning beds can contribute towards its formation. The UV radiation can damage the DNA of the cells that control their growth. When a significant number of melanocytes cells are affected, their abnormal structure can lead to the formation of Melanoma skin cancer tumour growths.
Melanoma can even occur in areas like the space between toes or fingers, under the nails or genitals. Such type of cancer growth is known as hidden melanoma, these growths can often go unnoticed.
The risk of developing Melanoma skin cancer is mostly observed in women under the age of 40 years.
Early detection of this cancer is very critical as it is likely to lead to a successful treatment. This cancer often forms as an unusual mole on the skin but can be easily mistaken for a beauty mark.
The different types of the above-mentioned unusual moles and their characteristics are:
• Asymmetrically shaped moles that have an unusual shape like two different looking halves
• A mole with a different colour or uneven distribution of colours
• Irregular borders of the mole that can be scalloped or notched
• A mole that changes in size over time or abnormal mole growth
• Or a mole that is showing multiple changes over time including size, colour or even causes itchiness and bleedings
Any form of unusual skin changes should not be left unnoticed. It is recommended to visit a doctor whenever such changes occur.
Major Causes / Risk Factors:
• Excessive exposure to UV (Ultra Violet) light: UV radiation is the main cause of Melanoma and other skin cancers
• Fair Skin: Having fair skin can sometimes mean having fewer pigments (melanin) which means less natural protection against UV light. People with blond / red hair or who have freckles or get a sunburn more easily are more likely to get Melanoma when compared to people with darker complexions.
• History of getting a sunburn: Getting severe sunburn on more than one occasion can significantly lead to less protection from UV light.
• An unusual number of moles: Having more than 50 moles on your body can suggest a chance of getting Melanoma. Alternatively, having an unusual type of mole can also suggest a chance of getting Melanoma.
• Distance from the equator or living at high elevated regions: The Sun's rays are more direct near the equator and in areas of elevation or higher latitudes. As such the residents are more likely to be diagnosed with Melanoma or other skin cancers due to the increased exposure to UV radiation.
• Weak Immune System: A weak immune system (for example after an organ transplant) can increase the chances of being diagnosed with skin cancer.
• Family History: If a close blood relative such as a parent, sibling, or child has Melanoma. You would also have an increased chance of being diagnosed with cancer.
Preventions:
Some basic precautions can be taken to avoid overexposure to UV light which may lead to the development of Melanoma skin cancer.
• Tanning Beds: Avoid the use of Tanning beds as it is the primary man-made cause of exposure to UV light.
• Self-Inspection: It is important to familiarise yourself with skin changes and if they require inspection. Examine yourself for irregular freckles, moles and bumps. Since Melanoma can spread rapidly, early detection can significantly improve your rate of survival.
• Limit sun exposure: Exposure of UV rays from the Sun accumulates over and increases the risk of skin cancer over time. Hence, it is recommended to avoid going outside without skin protection at specific hours of the day when the sun is brightest with little to no cover from the clouds.
• Protective clothing and products: It is recommended to use sunscreen of at least SPF 15 as they play an important role in protection from the sun.
However, sunscreens cannot protect against UV radiation completely. So covering your arms and legs with tight clothing and your head with a hat can offer an additional layer of protection.
