Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that develops in the cells that produce melanin, It starts on skin that's often exposed to the sun.the pigment that gives your skin its color. It is the most serious type of skin cancer and can spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. It is endanger of our lives,we need to learn how to recognize and prevent them.
What causes melanoma?
Melanoma is primarily caused by exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. People with fair skin, light hair, and blue or green eyes are at a higher risk of developing melanoma. Additionally, a history of sunburns, a weakened immune system, and a family history of melanoma can also increase your risk.
How is melanoma diagnosed?
Doctors diagnose melanoma through a skin examination by dermatoscope,if was suspected,that needs to do further examine:a biopsy of the suspicious mole or lesion. They may also perform additional tests, such as a lymph node biopsy or imaging scans, to determine the extent of the cancer and if it has spread to other parts of the body.
Where do skin cancers start?
Most skin cancers start in the top layer of skin, called the epidermis. There are 3 main types of cells in this layer:
- Squamous cells: These are flat cells in the upper (outer) part of the epidermis, which are constantly shed as new ones form.
- Basal cells: These cells are in the lower part of the epidermis, called the basal cell layer. These cells constantly divide to form new cells to replace the squamous cells that wear off the skin’s surface. As these cells move up in the epidermis, they get flatter, eventually becoming squamous cells.
- Melanocytes: These are the cells that can become melanoma. They normally make a brown pigment called melanin, which gives the skin its tan or brown color. Melanin protects the deeper layers of the skin from some of the harmful effects of the sun.
The epidermis is separated from the deeper layers of skin by the basement membrane. When a skin cancer becomes more advanced, it generally grows through this barrier and into the deeper layers.
Types of melanoma skin cancer
There are different types of skin melanoma. The most common types are:
- Superficial spreading melanoma: This type makes up about 7 in 10 melanomas of the skin. These tumors tend to grow outward on the surface of the skin (at least at first), so they might be noticed as a dark spot on the skin that is changing shape and/or getting bigger. Some of these melanomas start in existing moles (see below), but others do not.
- Nodular melanoma: This type accounts for about 2 in 10 skin melanomas. These tumors often appear as a distinct, raised bump (nodule) on the skin that is often dark brown or black, but it can also be pink or red. This can make them hard to find early. Nodular melanomas tend to grow down into deeper layers of the skin fairly early, so they’re often at a more advanced stage than superficial spreading melanomas by the time they are found.
- Lentigo maligna melanoma: This type of melanoma tends to occur in older people. It often first appears as an abnormally shaped tan or brown spot in an area that gets a lot of sun (such as the face, ears, or arms), and it tends to grow slowly (or change in other ways) over time.
- Acral lentiginous melanoma (acral melanoma): This type of melanoma starts in areas that don’t get a lot of sun exposure, such as the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails. Acral melanomas make up a large portion of melanomas in people with darker skin tones.
How can melanoma be prevented?
Preventing melanoma involves protecting your skin from UV radiation by wearing sunscreen with a high SPF, seeking shade, wearing protective clothing, and avoiding tanning beds. Regular skin checks and self-examinations can also help detect any suspicious moles or changes early on.
Overall, understanding melanoma, its causes, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options is essential for maintaining skin health and preventing the development of this serious form of skin cancer. If you notice any changes in your skin or moles, it is important to consult a dermatologist for a thorough evaluation.
