What is Melanoma? Its Causes, Symptoms, Types and Treatment

Melanoma 

Introduction:

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that originates in the cells responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that gives color to the skin, hair, and eyes. It is considered one of the most dangerous forms of skin cancer due to its ability to spread rapidly to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. Melanoma can arise in both sun-exposed areas and areas that are not typically exposed to the sun, making it imperative to understand its causes, symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment options.

=
Causes and Risk Factors:
The primary cause of melanoma is prolonged and intense exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or artificial sources like tanning beds. A history of sunburns, fair skin, freckles, a high number of moles, a family history of melanoma, a weaker immune system, and certain genetic abnormalities including those in the BRAF and NRAS genes are additional risk factors.

Symptoms:
Melanoma often appears as an irregularly shaped, dark-colored, or multicolored lesion on the skin. It can also develop from an existing mole that changes in size, shape, or color. The ABCDE rule helps identify potential signs of melanoma:

Symptoms of Melanoma (Skin Cancer)

Asymmetry: When a mole or lesion one half is different from the other half.

Border: The edges are jagged, fuzzy, uneven, or notched.

Color: There may be varying tones of brown, black, white, blue, or red and the color is not uniform.

Diameter: Although melanomas can be smaller, the lesion's diameter is greater than 6 millimeters (about the size of a pencil eraser).

Evolving: A mole or lesion that is evolving will change in size, shape, color, or elevation.

Diagnosis:
Diagnosing melanoma typically involves a combination of clinical examination, dermoscopy (a specialized magnifying tool), and biopsy. Dermoscopy allows dermatologists to examine the structure of the lesion more closely. A biopsy involves removing a portion or the entire lesion for examination under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous. Various types of biopsies, including punch biopsy and excisional biopsy can be used.

Types of Melanoma:
There are several types of melanoma, each with distinct characteristics and growth patterns. Examples include:
Superficial Spreading Melanoma: The most common type, characterized by its irregular growth and tendency to spread horizontally before becoming invasive.
Nodular Melanoma: It grows vertically more quickly than other types, often appearing as a raised lump that can be black, blue, or another dark color.
Lentigo Maligna Melanoma: Common in older adults, it develops from a pre-existing lentigo maligna (a type of freckle), often on sun-exposed areas like the face.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: Found on the palms, soles, or under the nails, it is more common in people with darker skin tones.
Amelanotic Melanoma: This type lacks pigment and can be challenging to diagnose due to its colorless appearance.
Treatment:
The treatment approach for melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer and the patient's overall health. Options include:
Surgery: Surgical excision is the primary treatment for early-stage melanomas. More advanced cases might require lymph node dissection.
Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts the body's immune response to fight cancer cells. Examples include checkpoint inhibitors like pembrolizumab and ipilimumab.
Targeted Therapy: Targeted drugs like vemurafenib and dabrafenib aim to block specific genetic mutations that drive melanoma growth.
Radiation Therapy: It is sometimes used after surgery to target remaining cancer cells or to relieve symptoms in advanced cases.
Chemotherapy: Traditional chemotherapy is less common but may be used for advanced cases that don't respond to other treatments.
Conclusion:
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that requires early detection, prompt diagnosis, and appropriate treatment. Regular skin self-examinations, protection from UV radiation, and seeking medical attention for any suspicious skin changes are crucial steps in reducing the risk of melanoma and improving outcomes for those affected by it. Advances in medical research continue to expand our understanding of melanoma, leading to more effective treatment options and better patient outcomes.