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Melanoma – Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management
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Melanoma – Causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and management

Abigail Davis

Melanoma is one of the most severe forms of skin cancer that develops in the melanocytes responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives the skin its color. Melanoma may develop in one’s eyes, and rarely inside the body, such as in the throat or the nose. Although there are no precise causes of melanoma, exposure to UV rays from tanning beds or lamps and sunlight can aggravate the risk of developing melanoma.

Knowing the causes, symptoms, and warning signs of the condition can help ensure that the malignant changes are diagnosed and treated before the cancer spreads.

Causes
Melanoma occurs when something goes amiss with the melanin-producing cells. Normally, the process of skin cell development follows a regulated pattern, where fresh and healthy cells gradually displace older cells, causing them to move towards the outer layer of the skin, where they eventually expire and shed. However, when some cells from DNA are damaged, new cells grow out of control and eventually form a mass of malignant cells. But what typically causes damage to the DNA in the skin cells and how this results in melanoma is unknown. A combination of genetic and environmental factors are responsible for melanoma and experts also believe that UV rays from tanning beds or lamps and the sun are one of the leading causes.

Risk factors
Though melanoma can happen to anyone, the risk is higher in people with:

  • A family history of melanoma
  • Personal history of the cancer
  • Red or blond hair, freckles, blue eyes, and fair skin
  • Weak immune system
  • Many moles, mainly the atypical moles
  • History of using tanning beds
  • Living in areas with high UV exposure – in high elevations or near the equator
  • Excessive sun exposure

Melanoma is more prevalent in people with fair skin tones; however, it can happen to anyone regardless of their skin type. People with dark skin may usually get melanoma on their nails, soles, and palms.

Symptoms
Learning about the melanoma symptoms is crucial for early diagnosis, as it is highly treatable when detected in the initial stages. Scaly patches, moles, raised bumps, or open sores are common symptoms of the condition. The following are the warning signs indicating that the spots on the skin are melanoma.

  • Asymmetry – One half of the mole is not in sync with the other half
  • Edges – The edges of the mole are not smooth
  • Color – The color is uneven and mottled with black, brown, white, red, or gray shades
  • Diameter – The spot is bigger than 6.0 mm
  • Evolving –The mole keeps changing its color, shape, and size

However, not everyone experiences the same symptoms. It is important to discuss with the doctor if sores do not go away, there are changes in the existing moles or skin, or one notices unusual rashes or bumps. Further, the “ugly duckling” sign is another way to recognize melanoma. So, if one of the moles looks hideous or typically different from others, one must get it checked by a dermatologist.

Diagnosis
Almost every melanoma affects the skin and shows changes in the existing moles. By self-examining the existing moles, freckles, or colored blemishes regularly, one can detect early melanoma symptoms. Ideally, people must have their backs inspected every few months, as it is hard to see the moles there. If one finds any changes in the skin’s appearance, they must get them examined by a doctor without any delay.

Some clinical tests help with diagnosis; doctors employ photographic or microscopic tools for a detailed lesion examination. If they suspect skin cancer, they will conduct a biopsy of the lesions to examine whether or not it is cancerous.

Treatment options
Skin cancer treatment is similar to the treatment for other cancers. But unlike the other cancers inside the body, skin cancer is easier to access and remove fully. Surgery is the standard melanoma treatment option. As part of the surgery, the doctor removes the lesions and some benign tissues surrounding it, thereafter, they forward it to the pathology to study the extent of cancer involvement and to ensure they have fully removed it. However, if melanoma covers a vast skin area, skin grafting can help. Additionally, the doctor may order a lymph node biopsy if the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. Further, radiation therapy is also one of the treatment options for melanoma, typically in the later stages.

Melanoma metastasizes to other organs and when that happens, doctors opt for other treatment options depending on where the melanoma has spread. These include targeted therapy, immunotherapy, or chemotherapy.

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