Which type of skin cancer is the most dangerous?

Melanoma is known as “the most severe skin cancer” due to its tendency for spreading. While melanoma is less prevalent than basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), it is more dangerous since it can spread to other organs more quickly if not treated early. Melanoma can develop within an existing mole on the skin or occur unexpectedly as a dark patch on the skin that differs from the rest. It is critical to get diagnosed and treated as soon as possible. 

Only 20-30 % of melanomas are discovered in moles that already exist. While 70-80 % of melanomas appear on skin that appears to be normal. 

Melanocytes

Melanocytes are skin cells that are found in the epidermis. They produce melanin, a chemical that gives skin its colour. The two types of melanin are eumelanin and pheomelanin. When the sun is exposed to UV radiation from the sun or tanning beds, it damages the skin, forcing the melanocytes to produce more melanin, but only the eumelanin pigment seeks to protect the skin by darkening or tanning it. Melanoma develops when DNA damage caused by UV radiation causes alterations (mutations) in melanocytes, resulting in uncontrolled cellular growth. 

Melanoma – characteristics

Melanomas come in a variety of shapes, sizes, and colours. As a result, providing a thorough list of warning indicators is difficult.

How dangerous is melanoma?

When identified and treated early, melanoma is usually curable. Melanoma becomes more difficult to cure and can be fatal after it has spread deeper into skin or other parts of the body. In 2018, over 300,000 new cases of melanoma were reported worldwide.

Types of Melanoma of the skin

• Superficial spreading melanoma

This is the most frequent type of cancer. It might occur as a new lesion or develop from an existing mole. When it starts as an existing mole on the skin, it tends to grow on the skin’s surface for a while before penetrating deeper. While it can appear almost anywhere on the body, it is most commonly seen on men’s torso, women’s legs, and upper backs of both men and women. It may appear as a discoloured, asymmetrical area with uneven boundaries that is flat or slightly elevated. Tan, brown, red/pink, or white are some of the colours it can appear in. It is also possible that it is not pigmented, resulting in a pink or skin-toned lesion (amelanotic).

• Lentigo maligna

This type of melanoma is more common in adults over the age of 50. Lentigo maligna melanoma is a type of cancer that becomes invasive and spreads beyond its original site. This type of melanoma grows close to the skin surface at first, similar to the superficial spreading type. Sun-damaged skin on the face, ears, arms, or upper torso is the most common site for the cancer to appear. It may seem as a blotchy, flat, or slightly elevated spot with uneven boundaries. Blue-black is the most common colour, however it can also be tan, brown, or dark brown. 

• Acral lentiginous melanoma

Melanoma of this type is the most frequent in people of colour, including those of African descent. It can be hidden in locations like under the nails, on the soles of feet, and on the palms of the hands. It may look as a dark brown or black spot.

• Nodular melanoma

Melanoma of this type is the most aggressive. It accounts for about 10% to 15% of all cases. In older men, the tumour grows deeper into the skin than other types and is most commonly detected on the torso, thighs, and arms, as well as the scalp. When it is first diagnosed, it is frequently invasive. The most typical symptom of nodular melanoma is a lump on the skin that is usually blue-black in colour, but can also be pink or red.

Melanoma is a malignant tumour that develops when skin cells’ DNA is damaged. The damage produces alterations in pigment-producing cells called melanocytes, which swiftly spread and develop malignant tumours in the epidermis’ basal layer. Melanoma spreads quickly if it isn’t caught early enough. If left untreated, this condition can spread to other organs and create further complications, which can be fatal. Melanoma is often treatable if detected early enough. 

Melanoma Causes and Symptoms

Melanoma is caused by excessive UV exposure, especially when it results in sunburn. Overexposure to UV radiation can be caused by sun tanning beds, frequent beach lay-outs, and incorrect or no-use of suntan lotion. Even if a person has avoided the sun as much as possible, he/she could still be at risk for melanoma. Being fair-skinned, having a family history of melanoma, being old, and having a weakened immune system are all risk factors. Melanomas might look like moles since they are often black or brown in colour. They do, however, occur in a number of shades, such as white, blue, red, pink or skin-toned. Depending on the individual, they may or may not cause pain.

Identifying the Warning Signs

A person may be at an elevated risk for melanoma if he/she spends a lot of time in the sun, whether for work or leisure. People can undertake self skin examination by looking for moles that haven’t been seen before or keeping track of those that have been present. 

• Asymmetrical Moles: Most healthy, typical moles have rounded edges and a symmetrical outline. Uneven edges on an asymmetrical molle can be a warning sign of melanoma.

• Change in size or shape: If you have spotted a mole on your body that has not seemed weird in the past but it starts to grow or change shape, it is a clue that something is wrong. The size and shape of normal moles do not alter.

• Large diameter (1/4”): Many moles are small, with a diameter of ¼“. Anything larger than 1/4” or around the size of a typical pinky fingernail, would be considered abnormally large.

• Multiple colours: The majority of regular moles are a single colour. The presence of several colours in a mole is an indicator of melanoma.

It is important to remember that melanoma is almost always treatable if detected early on. Self-checks are quick and easy to complete, and they can save time, money, and, most importantly, health. 

Prevention

Melanoma is the most severe kind of skin cancer and can cause significant harm if not detected early. There are a variety of methods for preventing it from forming, some of which are more visible than others. Although there is no sure technique to prevent melanoma, certain studies have suggested that over 905 of cases are preventable.

1. Examine the skin

Make sure to inspect your skin from head to toe every three months. Check your loved ones’ skin as well; certain harmful spots can appear in places we do not expect them to, like the scalp, back, and ears.

2. Use a sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher

You don’t have to spend the day at the beach to benefit from sun protection. Apply sunscreen to the face, neck, and hands, as well as any other exposed areas of the body. The intensity of the sun’s rays on any given day determines how you should protect yourself from the sun.

3. Avoid tanning beds at all costs

According to research, even moderate tanning bed usage greatly increases the risk of developing melanoma.

4. Cover up and seek the shade

Wear caps and cotton shirts that cover your shoulders, chest and back to protect yourself from UV rays. Remember to seek the shade, especially during the hottest hours of the day, that is, 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

5. Examine your nails

While painted nails are attractive, inspecting your nails once a month and removing the lacquer from your fingers and toes can help you. Skin cancer lesions can form under the nails as well as on sun-exposed skin. 
Melanoma has been on the rise for some years due to a variety of factors. During vacations, there is more tanning, less awareness, and more sun exposure. The key to treating it is early discovery. The sooner it is discovered, the more therapy choices are available.

Sources:

1. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common

2. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/