MELANOMA

WHAT HAPPENS?

• It is the most serious form of skin cancer
• The melanocytes-which make melanin that protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun- become damaged, altered, or do not die when they are supposed to die.
• The cells can still produce melanin, but others cells do not and can appear pink, tan, or white due to it.

Symptoms
A new or an unusual growth of an existing mole.
Can be found on, but not subjected to, the palms of hands, pads of feet, and tongue.

CAUSES

• One bad sunburn before the age of 18 can double the chances of getting melanoma.
• UV rays (the sun, tanning beds, sunlamps, etc) damage the DNA.
• Fair skin can increase chance of getting sunburns which in turn increases chances of melanoma
• If you have a family history of skin cancer, you may have a greater risk.

Diagnosis
It can be easily be seen, by watching the growth of moles or bring up of new and unusual looking moles. However, the most effective way of confirming its diagnosing is by getting a biopsy. The biopsy allows to test the mole to properly diagnose the patient.

TREATMENT

• Surgery
• Immunotherapy
• Targeted therapy
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Factors that influence one’s treatment options: age and overall health, stage (extent) of your cancer, likelihood that treatment will cure your cancer (or help in some other way), feelings about the possible side effects from treatment.

Preventing Melanoma
Wear a shirt, sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses. Avoid getting sunburns as much as possible. Melanoma can be caught before it gets to serious. Check your body regularly for moles with the following A) Asymmetry-one half is not like the other B) Border-an irregular or poorly developed border C) Colour- shades of tan, black, and brown may have red or blue D) Diameter- Melanomas are usually greater than 6mm when diagnosed E) Evolution-If it is changing shape

WHO MAY BE AT RISK

• Families with a history of skin cancer.
• People with fair skin, red or blonde hair, or blue or green eyes are at a greater risk.
• It is the Second most common in young adults.
• Anyone who visits tanning salons.
• Those you have had melanoma are likely to get melanoma again.

Cited sources

http://dcmf.ca/

www.cancer.org/melanoma-skin-cancer-pdf