Female 1: Most people have heard of the skin cancer called Melanoma and each year 55,000 Americans are diagnosed with it. So what exactly is Melanoma?
Female 2: Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer. If it is diagnosed early, Melanoma is usually curable. However, if the cancer goes unnoticed and spreads, it can be fatal. Here is how Melanoma develops.
Melanoma begins in skin cells called Melanocytes, which produce a pigment called Melanin, the agent that gives skin its color and protects the body from sun damage. When you spend time in the sun, the Melanocytes make more protective Melanin causing your skin to tan. If you receive too much sun, might however, the Melanocytes maybe begin to mutate and turn cancerous.
Individuals with a family history of Melanoma are much more likely to develop this form of cancer. Still everyone is at some risk, so being safe in the sun is imperative. Because Melanoma occurs in the cells that gives skin its color. This form of cancer usually appears as a spot of darkened pigment or a mole.
The patterns of Melanoma are often predictable. In men, it usually appears between the shoulders and the hips, and on the head and neck. Women tend to develop Melanoma on their lower legs. The best way to spot Melanoma is to get to know your skin. Be aware that if you have more than 50 moles, you are a more likely a candidate to develop Melanoma. ABCDE is an acronym that stands for the five warning signs of Melanoma. When examining a mole, be aware that any of these aspects can be indicative of Melanoma. A stands for an asymmetrical or an oddly shape mole. B is for a mole with uneven borders. C stands for color. A variety of colors within a mole is warning signal. D is for a mole with a diameter bigger than a pencil or eraser. And, E stands for a growth that evolves over time.
Melanomas fall into four basic categories. Three of them begin “in situ”. Meaning they occupy only the top layer of skin. The fourth Nodular Melanoma is more serious because it penetrates more quickly into the skin. The first type of “in situ” cancer, superficial spreading Melanoma accounts for almost 70% of cases. This cancer spreads along the top later of skin for sometime before penetrating.
Younger people often get the Superficial Spreading type. Lentigo Maligna is most often found in the elderly. It is similar to Superficial Spreading Melanoma as it also remains close to the skin surface for a long time. Acral-Lentiginous Melanoma is the most common form found in those of darker skin types. It follows the same spreading pattern as the other “in situ” types but usually appears under the nails, on the soles of the feet or on the palms of the hands. The most aggressive form of this disease, nodular melanoma is inherently invasive. Nodular melanoma makes up 10 to 15% of cases.
If left untreated, Melanoma can be fatal so it is vital to be familiar with your skin. If you noticed any abnormalities, please see a doctor immediately.
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