Melanoma Cancer Health Information

Top : Conditions and Diseases : Melanoma Cancer

Learn About Melanoma Cancer:


Melanoma is a form of skin cancer that starts in the pigment-producing skin cells called melanocytes. These cells become abnormal, grow uncontrollably, and aggressively invade surrounding tissues. The top layer of the skin (the epidermis) contains three types of cells that can become cancerous: basal cells, squamous cells, and melanocytes. Melanoma usually occurs in adults, but it may occasionally be found in children and adolescents. The cancer usually develops in an existing mole or as a new mole on the skin.

Melanoma is a cancer that is less common then other types of skin cancer, however, it is the most serious of skin cancers. It is a good chance Melanoma may be cured if caught and treated in its early stages when it affects only the skin. In more advanced stages, it may spread, or metastasize, through the blood or lymph system to other organs and bones, making cure less likely. Melanoma is sometimes also called cutaneous melanoma or malignant melanoma.

Causes of Melanoma Cancer:

Melanoma cancer may be caused by itself or it may begin to grow out of an abnormal mole. Heredity may also play a role because some families have more of a melanoma risk than others. Fair skin people seem to be at greater risk for developing melanoma than darker skinned people. Excessive sun exposure, especially if burning occurs during childhood, may increase the risk of getting melanoma. Most dermatologists believe that regular use of sunscreen decreases risk for the development of malignant melanoma.

Symptoms of Melanoma Cancer:

Changes in the size, shape, or color of a mole can be a symptom of Melanoma. Also moles that ooze or bleed, feel itchy, hard, lumpy, swollen, or tender should also receive medical attention.

Malignant melanoma tend to be characterized by these distinct features:
  • Asymmetry (one half looks different than the other half)
  • Ragged or irregular edge
  • Varying colors within the mole
  • Greater than one-fourth inch wide (moles usually stay the same size for many years, so any change in size should be of concern)

Cures / Preventions for Melanoma Cancer:

If Melanoma is diagnosed and removed early it can be cured. If the cancer is deep or has already spread to other organs, it becomes very difficult to treat.

Treatment for Melanoma Cancer:

Available treatment for Melanoma include excision, electrodesiccation and curettage, cryosurgery, micrographic surgery, laser therapy, and photopheresis. Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and adoptive immunotherapy also are provided.

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