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What is Melanoma? |
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Melanoma is a malignant tumor that originates in Melanocytes, the cells, which produce the pigment melanin that colors our skin, hair, and eyes. The majority of melanomas are black or brown. Howevcer, some melanomas are skin-colored, pink, red, purple, blue or white.
Melanoma is the most serious form of skin cancer. However, if it is recognized and treated early, it is nearly 100 percent curable. But if it is not, the cancer can advance and spread to other parts of the body, where it becomes hard to treat and can be fatal. While it is not the most common of the skin cancers, it causes the most deaths. The American Cancer Society estimates that in 2009, there will be 8,650 fatalities in the U.S., 5,550 men and 3,100 women.
The number of new cases of invasive melanoma is estimated at 68,720; of these, 39,080 will be men and 29,640 women.
Melanoma which is not removed early while it is thin, spreads internally and is usually fatal. It is often ignored until too late because, in the early stages, it may look harmless and cause no discomfort. Many people don't realize that a small lesion on their skin can progress very quickly into an advanced stage Melanoma if not treated promptly.
Q. What Is Melanoma?
A. Melanoma, a very serious skin cancer, is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of pigment-producing tanning cells. Melanomas may suddenly appear without warning, but can also develop from or near a mole. They are found on the upper backs of men and women, or on the legs of women, but can occur anywhere on the body. The overall incidence of melanoma is rising at an alarming rate. In 2005, at current rates, one in 34 Americans has a lifetime risk of developing melanoma.
Q. Is Melanoma A Serious Disease?
A. More than 73% of skin cancer deaths are from melanoma. Advanced melanoma spreads to internal organs and may result in death. One person each hour dies from melanoma. If detected in the early stages, melanoma can usually be treated successfully.
Q. How Many People Will Develop Skin Cancer This Year?
A. More than 1 million new cases of skin cancer will be diagnosed in the United States in 2009. Melanoma is the fifth most common cancer in men, and the sixth most common in women.
Q. What Causes Melanoma?
A. Excessive exposure to the ultraviolet radiation of the sun is the most important preventable cause of melanoma. People in southern regions, where the sunlight is more intense, are more likely to develop melanoma than those in northern regions. Melanoma has also been linked to excessive sun exposure in the first 10 to 18 years of life. Other possible causes include genetic factors and immune system deficiencies.
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This chart shows the characteristics of normal moles and how to identify signs of melanoma. Generally speaking any mole that shows signs of change in size, color or appearance should be seen by a dermatologist to rule out the possibility of a developing Melanoma.
Being pro-active and completing regular skin checks will help you to identify those moles that have the potential to turn cancerous before they reach that stage. Early detection is the best way to treat this disease and annual visits to a dermatologist should ensure that your skin is healthy and free of serious skin problems.
Melanoma is an aggressive form of skin cancer and can have deadly consequences if left untreated. Statistics show that the majority of melanoma if identified early, (superficial in situ Melanoma) and removed provides the best chance of a excellent prognosis with a survival rate of 99.9%. However, if left untreated, then the survival rate diminishes and the outcome is likely to be less than favorable.
Melanoma diagnosed at Stage III A (Lymph node involvement, non-ulcerated primary) and the five-year survival rate drops to 63%. So the best treatment for this disease is early detection!
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The ABCD's of Moles & Melanoma
Most of us have a number of brownish spots on their skin - freckles, birthmarks, moles. Almost all such spots are normal, but some may develop into skin cancers. Key warning signs of melanoma are shown below. Be alert to irregularities in shape, edges, color, and size. The ABCD's of melanoma are as follows: Asymmetry, Border irregularity, Color variability, and Diameter larger than a pencil eraser. |
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Melanoma Cell showing the structure of the cell.
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Melanoma Stem Cells (magnified 200 times)
There is a growing concensus among researchers that not all cancer cells are created equal. There is a hierarchy of cells inside a tumor, and only a few cells, called cancer stem cells, are capable of generating new tumors. |
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Mole changes and signs to look for ....
In addition to checking out the ABC's, you should look for signs of change in any moles.
Size
The mole suddenly or continues to get larger.
Color
A wide variety of colors or color combinations appear. Color might spread from the edge into the surrounding
tissue.
Elevation
A mole that was flat or slightly elevated increases in height rapidly.
Surface
A smooth mole develops scaliness, erosion, oozing. Crusting, ulceration, or bleeding are late signs in the disease.
Sensation
Itching is the most common early symptom, and there may also be feelings of tenderness or pain. Nonetheless,
remember that skin cancers are usually painless.
Surrounding skin
The skin around a mole becomes red or develops colored blemishes or swellings.
If any of these changes occur, they should be checked by a professional. It is particularly important for you to
select a physician who specializes in skin cancer and is trained to recognize a melanoma at its earliest stage.
You would first see a dermatologist, who might refer you to a dermatologic surgeon or oncologist
(cancer specialist). Make an appointment without delay. Prompt action is your best protection.
For a free brochure including a body map and the warning signs of all major skin cancers, send a stamped,
self-addressed business-size envelope to:
The Skin Cancer Federation
P. O. Box 561
Dept. SEW
New York, NY 10156
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