melanoma
an extremely malignant TUMOUR of the melanocytes, the cells in the SKIN that produce MELANIN . Melanomas are also found, although less commonly, in the MUCOUS MEMBRANES and in the EYE . There is a link between the occurrence of melanoma of the skin and exposure to harmful ultraviolet light during sunbathing. A highly malignant form can also arise from the pigmented cells of MOLES . Melanoma can be successfully treated by surgery if it is superficial and caught at an early stage. It commonly spreads, however, especially to the LIVER and LYMPH NODES , in which case the outlook is poor. The incidence of MALIGNANT melanoma is increasing and has attracted much attention in connection with the formation of holes in the ozone layer, which screens the earth from harmful UV radiation. Most experts recommend that people should cover exposed skin, use sunscreen creams and avoid the sun at the hottest part of the day.
Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. Often the first sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or feel of a mole. Most melanomas have a black or black-blue area. Melanoma may also appear as a new mole. It may be black, abnormal, or "ugly looking."
Thinking of "ABCDE" can help you remember what to watch for:
- Asymmetry - the shape of one half does not match the other
- Border - the edges are ragged, blurred or irregular
- Color - the color is uneven and may include shades of black, brown and tan
- Diameter - there is a change in size, usually an increase
- Evolving - the mole has changed over the past few weeks or months
Surgery is the first treatment of all stages of melanoma. Other treatments include chemotherapy and radiation, biologic, and targeted therapies. Biologic therapy boosts your body's own ability to fight cancer. Targeted therapy uses substances that attack cancer cells without harming normal cells.
NIH: National Cancer Institute
melanoma