Melanoma is a malignant predominantly found in the skin but can be found elsewhere, especially the eye. The vast ity of iginate in the skin. Melanomas are the most lethal m of skin cancer. As with most ms of cancer, earlier detection gives patients a better chance of survival.
Epidemiologic studies from Australia suggest that exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one of the s to the development of melanoma. Occasional extreme sun exposure resulting in a sunburn is causally related to melanoma. Those with e chronic long term exposure ( kers) may develop protective mechanisms. Melanoma is mon on the back in men and on legs in women (areas of intermittent sun exposure) and is mon in kers than kers (in a British study). Other s are mutations total loss of genes. Use of sunbeds with deeply rating UVA rays has been linked to the development of skin cancers, including melanoma.
Possible significant elements in determining risk include the intensity and duration of sun exposure, the age at which sun exposure occurs, and the degree of skin pigmentation. Exposure during childhood is a e tant risk than exposure in adulthood. This is seen in migration studies in Australia where people tend to retain the risk profile of untry of birth if they migrate to Australia as an adult. Individuals with peeling sunburns especially in the first twenty years of life have a significantly greater risk melanoma.
Fair and red-headed people are at greater risk developing melanoma. A person with multiple atypical dysplastic nevi are at a significant risk. Persons n with ngenital naevi are at increased risk.
A family y of melanoma greatly increases a person’s risk. Certain ‘melanoma families’ display features of mendelian inheritance of cancer causing genes. It is critical that individuals with family members who have been diagnosed with melanoma be checked regularly skin cancer. Patients with a y of one melanoma are at increased risk of developing a nd primary tumour.
Do you suspect that you may have Melanoma?
Any mole that is irregular shape should be examined by a to determine if it is a malignant melanoma, the most serious and life-threatening m of skin cancer. Following a visual examination and a pic exam (an instrument that illuminates a mole, revealing its underlying pigment and k structure), the may biopsy the suspicious mole. If it is malignant, the mole and an area around it needs excision by a dermatologist.
The diagnosis of melanoma requires experience, as early stages may look identical to harmless not have at all. Where any doubt exists, the patient will be referred to a specialist dermatologist.
How to Prevent Melanoma
Minimize exposure to sources of ultraviolet radiation (the sun and sunbeds).
Wearing long-sleeved shirts, long trousers, and broad-brimmed hats offers the best protection.
Use a sunscreen with an SPF rating of better on exposed areas.
Disclaimer – The mation presented here should not be interpreted as medical advice. If you suspect you have Melanoma, nsult your physician as early as possible diagnosis and treatment options.
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