Melanoma is a type of cancer that starts in the melanocytes of the skin. Melanoma is one of the deadliest forms of skin cancer, but it is also one of the most curable if it is caught early. There are several things that put people at risk for developing melanoma. Any type of change in a mole or any skin area should be evaluated by a medical professional such as a dermatologist to assure a proper diagnosis and establish a treatment plan if needed.
Causes
Burning the skin to the point of a sunburn from ultraviolet exposure is one of main causes of melanoma skin cancer. When someone achieves a sunburn, it destroys the layers of the skin that help protect the body. Over time, the layers can break down and cause the melanocytes in the skin to abnormally grow into cancer. Staying out of the sun or using a sun block protectant is the only way to avoid the damage caused by the sun's rays or that of a tanning booth. People who are fair skinned or have freckles are also susceptible to developing melanoma. A family history of melanoma puts someone at risk of developing melanoma also.
Identification
In order to properly identify a melanoma, a medical diagnosis is required. There are some things to look for before making a trip to a dermatologist---these are the ABCDEs of melanoma. A is for asymmetry. With a mole, the sides should be a replica of the opposite half; if not, this could be an early melanoma. B is for border. The border of a mole or questionable skin area should be defined. If there are jagged or uneven edges, the mole should be evaluated. C is for color. Melanoma could be present if the mole has an irregular color or contains multiple colors of black, tan and brown hues. D is for diameter. Anything larger than 6mm should be biopsied for further testing. E stands for evolving. This means any change in size, color or shape of a mole should be reported to your dermatologist for evaluation.
Metastases
While melanoma is one of the most treatable of all cancers if caught early, it also has the danger of spreading to nearby organs or skin areas; this is called metastases. In order to make a proper diagnosis, a dermatologist may order a biopsy and removal of the mole. If the mole is cancerous, further testing will need to be conducted to determine if the melanoma has metastasized. Blood tests, lymph node testing, additional biopsies, X rays and CAT scans will be needed to properly stage the cancer. Stages range between I and IV, with IV being the most advanced stage, where the cancer has spread throughout the body.
Treatment
A stage I or II melanoma means the cancer has not spread and is contained in one location---generally a mole. The mole is removed and follow-up care and blood work may need to be conducted once a year as a preventative measure. Stage III means the cancer has spread to nearby areas or tissue. While this is considered an advanced stage, it still is contained and can likely be completely treated. Isolated immunotherapy and chemotherapy may be used as treatment and a preventative measure. Stage IV is advanced melanoma cancer. This means that the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and other major organs in the body. Surgery to remove the cancer and tumors as well as advanced radiation and chemotherapy will be administered to fight the cancer.
Prognosis
Stage I and II melanomas are serious, but they are generally treatable. With this initial diagnosis, the patient is at risk for developing another melanoma or recurrent melanoma in the future. As long as they remain cancer free and continue with regular checkups, the prognosis is very good with a 95 percent survival rate for the first five years. Stage III melanoma is more serious. There can always be the risk that there were cancer cells that have spread or went undetected during testing. This could rapidly advance to a stage IV in just weeks or months. Stage IV is a serious stage of melanoma. If the cancer has spread to other organs, it may be too aggressive at this point to respond to traditional medicinal treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy. Many patients, regardless of age, on average only live six months to two years after a stage IV diagnosis that doesn't respond to treatment.
