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Article Series: Skin Cancer
Help Me Understand Skin Cancer
Malignant
Melanoma (Skin Cancer)
- Causes, Symptoms
Malignant melanoma is not as common as basal
cell carcinoma or squamous cell carcinoma, however, it
is much more serious. With this particular skin cancer a tumor starts
to develop from the deeper layers of the skin that contain
the pigment producing cells. These are called melanocytes and
they can often group together and form what we call moles on
our skin. While most moles are benign it is estimated that
nearly fifty percent of all melanomas are connected with moles.
These oddly shaped moles can be referred to as dysplastic nevi
and can be precursors to skin cancer.
Now whereas, the melanoma can begin with an oddly shaped mole
that an individual has always had, it can also start anew with
a brown or black, freckle type spot on the surface of the skin.
They have also included such colors as white, red or blue.
The main point however, is that there will be evidence of a
change happening with a spot on the skin.
There are four
main types of melanomas with characteristics
that vary slightly from one to the other. They are: Superficial
spreading melanoma - being the most common type it is also
found more often with women. It makes up approximately two
thirds of all melanomas diagnosed. It can typically start as
a new flat spot or an existing mole will grow and become raised
and irregular. It is usually asymmetrical.
Next is Acral
lentiginous melanoma that is more common with
dark skinned people. The spots will have a flat dark surface
with raised bumpy spots that are dark brown or black. They
are located typically on the soles of the feet, the palms of
the hands, in mucous membranes, or the nail beds of the toes
or fingers.
Nodular
melanoma is when the underlying skin tissue is affected
first without being manifested on the surface of the skin first.
It seems to be found more often in men that it is in women.
Eventually the lumps or lesions on the skin can resemble blood
blisters. The colors can vary though, from white to blue black.
This is a type of skin cancer that can metastasize quickly
and spread to the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
And finally, Lentigo
maligna melanoma is evidenced by lesions
that typically occur on the sun exposed areas of the body such
as the face, ears or neck. This is really a result of long
sun exposure and seems to only rarely occur before the age
of fifty. It is also usually preceded by a stage called lentigo
maligna that is not cancerous but is a warning that it may
appear. It is found to be more common with women than men.
As with the more common skin cancers, basal cell carcinoma
and squamous cell carcinoma, malignant melanoma is thought
to be primarily caused by an over exposure to the sun's UV
rays. Even excessive exposure from artificial sources such
as tanning booths, can play a role in making a person more
vulnerable. In essence these rays act to disrupt the genetic
material that form the cells. This causes tissue damage. The
cell's repair system is also altered leaving the door open
to skin cancer.
The vulnerability or chances of sensitivity can also come
from genetic factors that can mean that a person's makeup is
such that their cells may not repair as well as others do or
just simply that they have a greater than average number of
moles or irregular moles and thus a greater chance at developing
this skin cancer.
Ultimately, the key as always, is an awareness of risk factors
and early detection and treatment.
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by SolveYourProblem.com
: 2009
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