“What is the worst type of skin cancer?”
Melanoma is described as "the worst skin cancer" because of its proclivity for spreading. 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.
To know more about causes of skin cancer, click here.
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.
You can read this article to learn more about preventing skin cancer.