Melanoma: A Deadly Skin Cancer and How to Spot It Early

Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Aster RV Hospitals, Bengaluru

Melanoma is a relatively aggressive and serious form of skin cancer, originating in melanocytes, such as cells responsible for pigmentation in the skin because they produce melanin pigment. Melanoma is usually more rapidly spreading than squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma, and once diagnosed, it tends to be even harder to treat than other cancers of the skin. All factors, such as intense exposure to ultraviolet radiation or severe sunburn histories, or genetic factors, generally increase the risks for melanomas. Because melanomas are quite serious, proper diagnosis and treatment at initial stages increase the chances of effective treatment and sometimes prevent other parts of the body from being affected.

• DarkSkinType

Dark skinned people carry much more melanin, offering the body with natural resistance from UV rays and subsequently bring about a lower incidence risk of melanoma when compared to fair skinned peoples. However, melanoma will still arise and possibly have a tougher time with identification in darker skin tones than in fair skinned folk, who can develop the cancer that often brings with it an alerting change in moles and freckles.

• FairSkinType

People with fair skin are vulnerable to melanoma because they have fewer melanin pigments offering lesser protection through natural means against the harmful effects of UV radiation. Their skin will easily burn and tan less due to increased sensitivity to sun rays, so their chances of developing sun damage and melanoma if proper measures are not taken to guard against the sun, are enhanced.

Moles and Melanoma Risk

Moles are usually harmless but can become serious skin cancer called melanoma. Melanomas can arise from existing moles or as new growths on the skin. Monitoring moles for changes in their size, shape, color, or texture is a must since these changes can be an early sign of melanoma. The earliest detection and treatment would determine outcomes in a major way since performing self-examinations periodically and reporting any suspicious changes to a doctor plays a great role.

Early Detection using ABCDE

• A (Asymmetry):One half of the mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other half.
• B (Border):The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
• C (Colour):It has irregular pigmentation, sometimes being black, brown, tanned and even may have white, gray, red, or blue patches.
• D (Diameter):It’s more than 10mm in diameter and is increasing
• E (Evolution):Changes in size, shape, or colour.

Prevention

• Avoid artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds.
• Monitor yourskinfor changes or new growths.
• Familiarize with the risk factors: family history, fairskin, many moles, and sunburn history.
• Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection.
• Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
• Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm.

Early Treatment:

Melanoma treatment is mainly surgical excision: excision of the affected region with an extra margin of healthy tissue. If it has already spread to surrounding lymph nodes, a biopsy of lymph nodes may include the surgical removal and then examination. Immunotherapy encourages the immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells and has significant promise. Targeted drugs aim to target specific genetic mutation features in melanoma cells to prevent them from growing, and new drugs are invented. In some cases, radiation therapy is used that kills cancer cells or relieves symptoms

Early diagnosis of melanoma and prompt treatment improves the patient’s chances of survival. You should check the skin for any mole or spot changes since prior awareness is half the battle. Prevention by protecting your skin from UV radiation proves the most significant measures for preventing melanoma. Should you find any unusual appearance on your skin, you should consult your doctor for evaluation and proper treatment.