Melanoma
Melanoma is another type of skin cancer that is not common, but one of the most serious as it spreads. When melanoma spreads, it becomes very difficult to treat. Many factors promote skin cancer, including family history, fair skin, and overexposure to the sun.
Melanoma occurs pigment-producing cells called melanocytes mutate that begin to divide unconditionally. Melanocytes are the skin cells present in the upper layer of skin; they produce melanin pigments that color the skin. Eumelanin and pheomelanin are the two types of melanin.
Skin damage due to ultraviolet (UV) radiations from the sun triggers the melanocytes to produce melanin. Only eumelanin pigment protects the skin by increasing the color of the skin. Melanoma occurs as a result of DNA damage from burning or tanning due to UV radiation, which results in the uncontrolled growth of cells.
Melanoma can develop anywhere on the skin; however, in men, it is more likely to develop on the chest and back, while in women, legs are the most common site. Other common sites include the face, eyes, and very rarely intestine. The cases of melanoma in 2019 were estimated to be about 96,480 in America.
Melanoma is present in multiple sizes, shapes, and colors, which makes it dangerous. Detecting melanoma at an early stage is important because it can be treated if detected early.
There are four types of melanoma, which include
Superficial Spreading Melanoma – This is the most common type of melanoma and mostly appears on the trunk or limb. The cells of melanoma grow slowly and spread across the surface of the skin.
Nodular Melanoma – It is a very common type of melanoma and appears on the trunk, neck, and head. It grows more quickly than other types and can look reddish or blue-black in color.
Lentigo Malign Melanoma – This type develops in adults on the body parts with excessive sun exposure, including the face. It starts as a stain but grows slowly and less dangerously as compare to other types of melanoma.
Acral Lentiginous Melanoma – It is a less common type for white people, while the most common one is in people of color and appears on hands, under the nails, and on soles of feet. Some people with dark skin tone do not get melanoma, but this type is common in people with dark colors.