Skin cancer is a term used to identify cancerous cell growth on the
epidermis of a person, but it really breaks down into three types.
Melanoma skin cancer is by far the most deadly one.
Melanoma Skin Cancer – An Overview
When people discuss skin cancer, they are really talking about a
general term that applies to cancerous problems with the skin. There
are actually three subcategories of skin cancer – basal, squamous and
melanoma. Melanoma is by far the deadliest.
Melanoma skin cancer is a malignant form of cancer. It occurs when
cells that color the skin become cancerous. These cells are called
melanocytes. Melanocytes are generally found in the lower layers of the
epidermis. When you go out in the sun, the body reacts to protect
itself by having melanocytes produce pigment to color the skin. In
practical terms, this is what happens when you get a sunburn or tan.
Melanoma occurs due to a number of factors. The most common is when the
DNA in the melanocytes is altered by UV radiation found in sunlight.
While the damage is usually found on the skin, it can also occur in the
eyes. On men, melanoma usually presents in the skin from the shoulders
to the hips. With women, the disease tends to present on the arms and
legs. A vast majority of reported cases involve adults, but kids can be
unfortunate enough to suffer from it.
When evaluating melanoma, it is important to understand there are some
defined risk factors. They include subjects such as unusual moles,
exposure to the sun, tanning booth UV exposure, a family history of
melanoma, red or blond hair, blue eyes, white or light colored skin.
While these are common risk factors, there absence does not mean you
are risk free.
Once discovered, the treatment for melanoma is highly dependent on the
extent of the problem. Melanoma present only in the skin can be treated
successfully in many different ways. Melanoma, however, can spread
through the body. If it has spread to the lymph nodes, the risk of a
terminal diagnosis goes up dramatically. Treatment courses will then be
far more aggressive with the outcome dependent upon your specific
situation.
Melanoma is undoubtedly the worst form of skin cancer. If discovered
early enough, it can be treated. If you are concerned at all that you
might have a problem, see a medical professional as soon as possible.
