What is the worst type
of skin cancer?
Melanoma is
described as "the worst skin cancer" because of its proclivity for
speading. Melanoma is less common than
basal cell carcinoma (BCC) and squamous cell carcinoma (SCC), but it is more
deadly because if not treated early, it can spread to other organs. Melanoma
can appear as a dark section on the skin that is different from the rest of the
skin, or it might form within an existing mole. The importance of getting
diagnosed and treated as soon as possible cannot be overstated.
Only 20-30%
of melanomas are found in already existing moles. While 70-80 percent of
melanomas develop on seemingly normal skin.
Melanocytes and the characteristics of melanoma
Melanocytes
are cells found in the epidermis of the skin. Melanin, a substance that gives
skin its color, is produced by these cells. Eumelanin and pheomelanin are the
two kinds of melanin. The sun burns the skin, prompting the melanocytes to
create more melanin, but only the eumelanin pigment strives to protect the skin
by darkening or tanning it. Melanoma occurs when UV radiation damages DNA in
melanocytes, causing abnormalities (mutations) and uncontrolled cellular
proliferation. Melanomas can take many different forms, sizes, and colors. As a
result, compiling a comprehensive list of warning signs is challenging.
Incidence
Melanoma is
frequently treatable if detected and treated early. After it has progressed
deeper into the skin or other regions of the body, melanoma becomes more
difficult to treat and can be dangerous. Over 300,000 new cases of melanoma
were recorded globally in 2018.
Types of melanoma
1. Superficial spreading melanoma
This is the
most common cancer type. It might originate from an existing mole or appear as
a new lesion. It tends to develop on the skin's surface for a period of time before
entering deeper when it begins as an existing mole. It may appear practically
anywhere on the body, although it's most frequent on men's torsos, women's
legs, and both men and women's upper backs. It may look as a discolored,
lopsided, flat or slightly raised region with irregular borders. It can occur
in a variety of colors, including tan, brown, red/pink, and white. It's also
likely that it's not pigmented and appears pink or skin-toned (amelanotic).
2. Lentigo maligna
Melanoma of
this sort is more frequent in those over the age of 50. Lentigo maligna melanoma
is a kind of cancer that spreads beyond its original location and becomes
invasive. Similar to the superficial spreading kind of melanoma, this type of
melanoma develops close to the skin surface at the beginning. The most typical
spot for the cancer to form is sun-damaged skin on the face, ears, arms, or
upper chest. It might seem as a blotchy, flat, or slightly raised area with
irregular borders. The most prevalent color is blue-black, although it may also
be tan, brown, or dark brown.
3. Acral lentiginous melanoma
This type of melanoma
is the most common among people of color, including those of African descent.
It can be found under the nails, on the soles of the feet, and on the palms of
the hands, among other places. A dark brown or black spot may appear.
4. Nodular melanoma
This form of
melanoma is the most aggressive. It accounts for approximately 10% to 15% of
all cases. The tumor develops deeper into the skin in older men than it does in
other types, and it is most usually found on the torso, thighs, and arms, as
well as the scalp. It is typically invasive when it is initially diagnosed. A
mass on the skin, generally blue-black in color but also pink or red, is the
most common sign of nodular melanoma.
Melanoma is a
cancerous tumor that arises when the DNA of skin cells is disturbed. Damage to
the epidermis' basal layer causes changes in pigment-producing cells called
melanocytes, which quickly spread and create malignant tumors. If melanoma
isn't diagnosed early enough, it can spread swiftly. This illness can spread to
other organs and cause more complications, which can be deadly if not
addressed. Melanoma may easily be treated if caught early enough.
Causes and Symptoms
Excessive UV
exposure, especially when it results in sunburn, causes melanoma. Sun tanning
beds, frequent beach lay-outs, and inappropriate or non-use of suntan lotion
can all lead to overexposure to UV radiation. Even if a person has avoided the
sun to the greatest extent feasible, melanoma is still a possibility. Fair
skin, a family history of melanoma, age, and a weaker immune system are all
risk factors for melanoma. Melanomas might resemble moles since they are
usually black or brown in color. They do, however, come in a variety of colors,
including white, blue, red, pink, and skin tones. They may or may not produce
discomfort depending on the individual.
If a person
spends a lot of time in the sun, whether for business or pleasure, he or she
may be at risk developing melanoma. Self-skin inspection can be done by
examining for new moles or keeping track of ones that have already appeared.
• Asymmetrical Moles: The majority of
healthy moles have rounded edges and symmetrical shapes. Melanoma can be
detected by uneven margins on an asymmetrical mole.
• Change in size or shape: If you've seen
a mole on your body that didn't appear odd before but is now growing or
changing shape, it's a sign that something is wrong. Normal moles do not change
in size or form.
• Large diameter (1/4"): Many moles
have a diameter of 1/4 inches. Anything more than a quarter of an inch, or
around the size of an average pinky fingernail, is regarded excessively
enormous.
• A variety of colors: The majority of normal moles are of
one color. Melanoma is indicated by the presence of several colors in a mole.
It's crucial
to remember that, if caught early enough, melanoma is nearly usually curable.
Self-checks are quick and simple to perform, and they can help you save time,
money, and, most importantly, your health.
Can melanoma be prevented?
Melanoma is
the most dangerous type of skin cancer, and it can be fatal if not caught
early. There are a number of ways to avoid it developing, some of which are
more noticeable than others. Although there is no guaranteed way to prevent
melanoma, some research show that over 905 cases can be avoided.
1. Inspect the skin
Every three
months, make sure to check your skin from head to toe. Check the skin of your
loved ones as well; certain hazardous spots can emerge in unexpected areas,
such as the scalp, back, and ears.
2. Use a sunscreen with an SPF of at least 30.
To get the
benefits of sun protection, you don't have to spend the day at the beach. Apply
sunscreen to your face, neck, and hands, as well as any other regions of your
body that are exposed. On any particular day, the strength of the sun's rays
defines how you should shield yourself from the sun.
3. Stay away from tanning beds at all costs.
Even moderate
tanning bed use, according to research, greatly increases the risk of
developing melanoma.
4. Wear a hat and seek out the shade.
Protect
yourself from UV radiation by wearing hats and cotton shirts that cover your
shoulders, chest, and back. Remember to seek cover, especially between 11 a.m.
and 4 p.m., when the sun is at its strongest.
5. Check your nails
While painted
nails are appealing, you might benefit by examining your nails once a month and
removing the lacquer from your fingers and toes. Lesions of skin cancer can
develop both under the nails and on sun-exposed skin.
Melanoma has been on the increase for some years as a result of a number of reasons. There is more tanning, less awareness, and more sun exposure during vacations. The key to treating it is to catch it early. The earlier it is identified, the greater the number of treatment options accessible.
Sources:
1. https://www.skincancer.org/skin-cancer-information/melanoma/
2. https://www.aad.org/public/diseases/skin-cancer/types/common