One type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes is called melanoma. The cells called melanocytes produce the pigment that gives skin its colour. We refer to the pigment as melanin.
Usually, melanoma begins on skin that is frequently exposed to sunlight. This covers the skin of the legs, arms, back, and face. Moreover, melanoma can develop in the eyes. In rare instances, it may occur internally, like in the throat or nose.
Not all melanomas have a known cause. The majority of melanomas are brought on by UV light exposure. UV light, also known as ultraviolet light, is emitted by tanning beds and lamps as well as by sunlight. Reducing UV light exposure can help lower the chance of developing melanoma.
There appears to be a rising incidence of melanoma in individuals under 40, particularly in women. It is possible to detect and treat cancerous changes before the disease has spread by being aware of the symptoms of skin cancer. If melanoma is detected early, it is treatable.
Symptoms
First signs and symptoms of melanoma typically include:
- Alterations to an already-existing mole.
- The appearance of a new, pigmented growth on the skin that is unusual-looking.
Not all cases of melanoma start out as moles. On skin that is otherwise healthy, it can also occur.
Anywhere on the body can experience the symptoms of melanoma.
The majority of melanoma cases occur in sun-exposed areas. This covers the legs, face, back, and arms.
Areas with less sun exposure can also develop melanomas. This covers the fingernail beds, the palms of the hands, and the soles of the feet. Internal melanoma can also occur. People with brown or black skin are more likely to have these hidden melanomas.
Causes
When something turns healthy melanocytes into cancerous cells, it results in melanoma. Skin cells called melanocytes produce the pigment that gives skin its colour. We refer to the pigment as melanin.
Melanocytes experience DNA alterations, which is how melanoma begins. The instructions that tell a cell what to do are encoded in its DNA. DNA in healthy cells provides instructions on how to divide and grow at a specific rate. The cells are instructed to die at a predetermined time. Different instructions are given by altered DNA in cancerous cells. The alterations instruct the cancer cells to proliferate rapidly. When healthy cells would die, cancer cells can survive. There are too many cells as a result.
The cancer cells may aggregate into a mass known as a tumour. The tumour has the potential to spread and engulf healthy bodily tissue. Cancer cells have the ability to split off and travel to other areas of the body over time. Metastatic cancer is the term for cancer that spreads.
What alters the DNA in skin cells and how it results in melanoma is unknown. There’s probably a mix of factors at play, including genetic and environmental ones. Nonetheless, medical experts think that ultraviolet light exposure is the main factor that causes melanoma. UV light, also known as ultraviolet light, is emitted by tanning beds and lamps as well as by the sun.
Not all melanomas are caused by UV light, particularly those that develop in areas of your body that aren’t exposed to sunlight. This implies that your risk of melanoma may be influenced by additional factors.
Prevention
Melanoma and other forms of skin cancer can be prevented if you:
Avert tanning beds and lamps. UV light, also known as ultraviolet light, is emitted by tanning beds and lamps. This type of light exposure can raise your risk of developing skin cancer.
Steer clear of the sun in the midday hours. In North America, the peak hours of the sun’s rays for most people are between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. Even in the winter or on overcast days, plan your outdoor activities for later in the day.
Get to know your skin so you can identify changes. Regularly check your skin for any new growths. Examine your skin for any changes to any birthmarks, freckles, moles, or bumps. Examine your face, neck, ears, and scalp using mirrors.
Examine your arms and hands, as well as your chest and trunk, from top to bottom. Examine your feet, paying attention to the soles and the spaces between your toes, as well as the front and back of your legs. Additionally, look between your buttocks and in your genital area.
Put on safety gear. It is advisable to wear clothing that can shield your skin from the sun’s rays when you go outside during the day. Put on tight-fitting, dark clothing that covers your arms and legs to conceal your skin. Put on a hat with a wide brim, as it offers greater protection than a visor or baseball cap. A few businesses also offer protective apparel. A dermatologist can suggest a suitable brand.
Remember to bring sunglasses. Seek for those that provide UVA and UVB protection against both forms of UV light emitted by the sun.
All year long, apply sunscreen. Even on overcast days, apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of at least thirty. Use a lot of sunscreen. Every two hours or more frequently if you’re perspiring or swimming, reapply.
