Melanoma is a type of malignant cancer that develops very quickly in the skin and can therefore easily affect other organs by metastasis, when treatment does not start quickly.
This type of cancer originates in melanocytes, which are the skin cells responsible for the production of melanin, the substance that gives color to the skin. Thus, melanoma is more common when there are frequent lesions in these cells, which can occur mainly from prolonged sun exposure and, mainly, sunburn.
- Unlike most cancers.
- Melanoma occurs on the skin and can therefore be easy to identify early.
- Facilitating treatment and increasing the chances of recovery.
- So it is necessary for the person to be attentive to changes in the skin.
- Especially the appearance or growth of signs.
- By carrying out a full inspection at least every 1 or 2 months.
The type of melanoma varies depending on where it is presented and its form of development, the four main types being:
The easiest types to completely cure are those that develop in the most superficial layers of the skin, as long as they are diagnosed at a less advanced stage. When cancer begins to reach deeper layers or other organs, treatment is more difficult and the chances of recovery are reduced.
In rarer cases, melanoma may also develop in the mucous membranes of the vagina, esophagus, anus or intestines and also in the eyes, in which case it is called orbital melanoma.
Melanoma has a high rate of healing when it has not yet developed elsewhere in the body and when the diagnosis is made as soon as the first sign appears. Therefore, it is very important to observe frequently the signs and spots of the skin, looking for changes.
In addition, patients who have already had any skin cancer or who have direct family members with this history should go to the dermatologist because they are at increased risk.
In addition to sun exposure and frequent sunburn, melanoma can also be caused by any other type of UV exposure, such as tanning beds; In fact, this type of light is able to penetrate cells and cause malignant changes that lead to cancer growth. .
However, melanoma can occur anywhere in the body, even if it is protected from UV rays and therefore, although it is rarer, it can also develop in those who avoid sun exposure, being linked to family, genetic and environmental factors.
Factors that appear to increase your risk of developing melanoma include:
People with one or more of these factors should see your dermatologist regularly for a full skin evaluation to identify possible changes that could be an early sign of cancer.
Treatment of this type of cancer should be guided by an oncologist or dermatologist, as depending on the degree of development, it may be necessary to undergo only surgery to remove the tumor and cure, or other treatments such as chemotherapy may be necessary. or radiation therapy, to remove the remaining cancer cells in the skin. , even after removing the stain.
In case of metastasis, chemotherapy and radiation therapy should be initiated as soon as possible. However, success rates are relatively low because metastases occur in later stages of cancer.
Learn more about treating melanoma.