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Skin cancer is one of the most common types of cancer to affect people living across the United States. There are different types of skin cancer and the most dangerous one is known as Melanoma, which occurs in the melanin producing cells. Melanin is the pigment that gives the skin its color. Though anyone can suffer from melanoma skin cancer, the risks of this condition are higher in those who have -

• Fair skin
• History of sunburn
• Many or unusual moles
• Weak immune systems
• Family history of the condition

Elderly people and those who live close to the equator or are exposed to the ultraviolet rays of the sun are also more likely to develop melanoma skin cancer.

What are the stages ?

The development of melanoma can be classified into different stages, to describe how deeply the condition has grown into the skin. There are five stages of melanoma skin cancer -

• Stage 0 - The abnormal melanocytes are restricted to the outer layer of the skin, or the epidermis.
• Stage I - This stage is further divided into 2 sub-stages, 1A and 1B. During this stage, the skin begins to thicken on different parts of the body.
• Stage II - This stage is divided into 3 sub-stages, based on the thickness of the tumor and ulcerations.
• Stage III - In this stage, the tumor can be of any thickness, with or without ulcerations. However, the cancer may have spread to the lymph nodes or the cancerous lymph nodes may have matted together.

Small tumors may also be found on or under the skin, close to the primary tumor.

• Stage IV - This stage of the disease occurs when the tumor has spread to other parts of the body.

The stages of melanoma skin cancer usually determine the type of treatment adopted.

What are the signs ?

Melanoma skin cancer can occur in any part of the body, though it usually develops in those areas that are regularly exposed to the sun.

Therefore, the symptoms of melanoma skin cancer are usually seen in the face, neck, arms and legs.

Some of the signs of melanoma skin cancer include -

• Development of unusual growths on the skin, which could be a mole, sore or lump
• Sudden itching, scaling, oozing, bleeding or similar changes in an existing mole
• Alterations in the color of the skin

The American Academy of Dermatology has developed the ABCDE Guide for identifying the characteristics of unusual or suspicious moles -

• A - Asymmetrical shape
• B - Border irregularities
• C - Color changes
• D - Diameter
• E - Evolution in color or shape

People who have darker skin could also develop melanoma in areas that do not receive a lot of sunlight, like to palms, soles and fingernail beds.

The signs of hidden melanoma include -

• Nail Melanoma: Brownish or blackish discoloration, which often resembles a bruise
• Vaginal Melanoma: Itching and bleeding from the area
• Eye Melanoma: Changes in vision

It is essential to consult a doctor in case of any unusual changes that become evident.

What is the treatment?

The treatment path recommended by the doctor depends upon the stage of the cancer, as well as the patient's age and health.

In the earlier stages, the treatment could include surgery. However, if the melanoma is thin, a biopsy may be enough to get rid of the cancerous cells.

In case the melanoma has spread, the treatment usually includes -

• Surgery for the removal of the affected lymph nodes
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Biological therapy or immunotherapy

Clinical trials are currently being conducted for the treatment of melanoma skin cancer through -

• Targeted therapy
• Vaccine treatment
• Combined therapy (chemo and biological)

People who are at a risk of this deadly skin condition can also take steps to prevent the development of melanoma skin cancer. This condition can be prevented by -

• Avoiding the harsh rays of the sun and sun tanning beds
• Wearing a good sunscreen, along with protective clothing
• Examining the skin regularly

However, these steps only reduce the risks of developing skin cancer.

References

• What you need to know about melanoma. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/wyntk/melanoma/allpages. Accessed April 19, 2010
• Lange JR, et al. Melanoma. In: Abeloff MD, et al. Abeloff's Clinical Oncology. 4th ed. Philadelphia, Pa.: Churchill Livingstone; 2008:1229
• Melanoma: What it looks like. SkinCancerNet. http://www.skincarephysicians.com/skincancernet/melanoma.html. Accessed April 24, 2010.
• Melanoma treatment. National Cancer Institute. http://www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/pdq/treatment/melanoma/healthprofessional/allpages. Accessed April 19, 2010
• Reed KB, et al. Increasing incidence of melanoma among young adults: An epidemiological study in Olmsted County, Minnesota. Mayo Clinic Proceedings. 2012;87:328

   

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