Malignant melanoma refers to a specific type of skin cancer. Malignant melamonas start in the skin cells which produce melanin, which is a pigment that gives skin color. These skin cells are called melanocytes. Malignant melanomas may start out as moles, or they may grow on normal skin, especially if the skin is damaged from sun exposure. Malignant melanomas are usually treatable if they are identified early, but can become much more dangerous and difficult to treat if the cancer metastasizes (spreads deeper into the skin or into other parts of the body).
Causes
The major risk factors for melanoma include genetics and exposure to the sun. Those with a family history of melanoma, a personal history of melanoma, many freckles, fair skin and red hair are more susceptible to melanoma. Certain behavior, such as excessive exposure to the sun, can also increase the chances of developing melanoma.
Risk Factors
Specific risk factors for developing melanoma include multiple family members with melanomas, the presence of more than 5 "atypical moles," the presence of more than 50 moles on the body, a tendency to get sun burned and a history of blistering sunburns.
Moles
Most moles are benign, which means they are noncancerous. A normal mole has a wide range of appearences--it can range from skin colored to dark brown in color and can be flat or elevated, and come in many different sizes. Most people are estimated to have between 10 and over 100 moles. They may be genetic, or they may be caused by exposure to sunlight. Most are harmless, unless they become malignant. New moles should be checked, either by a self exam or by a physician, to ensure that they are benign, and any unusual moles should also be examined.
Sunlight
Exposure to sunlight is a major cause of melanoma. It is advisable to avoid artificial ultra-violent light, like tanning beds, and to avoid the sun during the peak exposure hours of 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Sunscreen, with a minimum SPF of 15, can also help limit your exposure to melanoma causing sun damage. Sunburns, especially blistering sunburns or sunburns during childhood, can greatly increase the chance of melanomas developing.
Self Exams
Moles should be checked using a self exam to detect any abnormalities. Any abnormality should be examined by a doctor to rule out malignant melanoma. The self exam process is called the ABCD process because you should check for asymmetry, border, color and diameter. The two sides of the mole should match, the border should not be poorly defined or irregular, the color should be uniform throughout the whole surface of the mole, and the mole should be smaller than 6 mm.
Tags: self exam, blistering sunburns, developing melanoma, history melanoma, Malignant melanomas, melanoma include