Skinimal.com

All about Melanoma

Perhaps, the most serious form of skin care is melanoma. If diagnosed and removed in the early stages, it is almost 100 percent curable. But if it advances and spreads to other parts of the body, it is difficult to treat and can be lethal.

Signs and symptoms of melanoma: If you find the size, shape or color of a mole or other skin growth changing over a month or so, it could be a warning sign of melanoma. Continue to look out for more such changes over a year or two. Check for the following changes also which are classified as A, B, C, and D symptoms:

1. A represents asymmetry: Here, half the mole or skin growth is different from the other half.
2. B stands for border irregularity: The edges of the growth are jagged, notched or blurred.
3. C denotes color: Here, the pigmentation is not uniform. In fact, you can see shades of tan, brown, and black and streaks of red, white, and blue. If you see changes in color that streaks across the edge of the mole into the surrounding skin, this too is an early sign of melanoma.
4. D is for diameter: Check to see if the mole is 6 mm or larger.

Causes of melanoma: Experts say there is a definite link between melanoma and sunbathing. If you sunbathe for a short period in intense heat either once or over a short holiday, it could be very dangerous for you. The larger the area exposed to the sun, the greater the chances of getting melanoma.

If you get sunburnt, that raises your risk further as the UV (ultraviolet) part of the sun damages your skin, a factor that can be further accelerated if someone in your family already has a history of melanoma. In fact, even if you haven't been sunbathing but have a family history of melanoma, you are likely to get it. You could also get it if you have many non-cancerous birthmarks.

Treatment: Melanomas or skin growths can be caught, if detected early. They can be treated on the bases of:

• Stage, thickness, and location of the tumour
• Individual's general health and personal situation

The following are the main treatment options for melanomas:

Surgery: This is the way localized melanoma is treated, followed up by additional therapy such as chemotherapy and radiation therapy in cases of high risk melanomas to destroy any cancer cells that escape.

Chemotherapy: With chemotherapy, cancerous cells all over the body are destroyed that could have travelled away from the melanoma site. This is given in cases of advanced melanoma. Radiation therapy: With radiation therapy, cancerous cells can easily be destroyed that still reside in the melanoma site after it is removed. Home treatment: Some home treatments for melanoma comprise the following:

1. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of least 15.
2. Wear a hat, a long-sleeved shirt, and pants when outdoors
3. Keep away from direct sunlight during midday hours
4. Don't sunbathe and tan in salons
5. Go in for a skin self-exam once a month and look out for changes in skin growths

Don't take your body for granted. Keep a watchful eye out for any changes in your skin, including any growths.