Melanoma

Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer; it develops in the cells (melanocytes) that produce melanin.  Melanin is the pigment that gives your skin its color.  Melanoma can also form in your eyes and, rarely, in internal organs, such as your intestines.  The exact cause of all melanomas is not clear.  Exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or by tanning beds increases your risk of developing melanoma.  Therefore, limiting your exposure to UV radiation can help to reduce your risk of melanoma.

The risk of melanoma seems to be increasing in people under 40 years of age, especially in females.  Knowing the warning signs of skin cancer can help ensure that cancerous changes are detected and treated before the cancer has spread.  Melanoma can be treated successfully if it is detected in its early stages.  Melanomas can occur anywhere on your body.  Most often, they are known to develop in areas that have had more exposure to the sun, such as your back, legs, arms and face.  Melanomas can also occur in areas that do not receive much sun exposure too, such as the soles of your feet, palms of your hands and fingernail beds.  These “hidden” melanomas are more common in dark-skinned people. 

Normal is what we all hope for and normal moles are generally a uniform color such as tan, brown or black and they have a distinct border that separates them from the surrounding skin. They are oval or round and usually smaller than 1/4 inch (about 6 millimeters) in diameter, approximately the size of a pencil eraser.  Most individuals have between 10 and 45 moles. Many of these develop by age 40; although moles may change in appearance over time, and some may even disappear with increased age.

You and your loved one should be aware of some of the first warning signs and symptoms of melanoma, which include:

·         An observed change in an existing mole

·         The development of a new pigmented or unusual growth on your skin

Keep in mind that melanoma does not always have to begin as amole.  It can also occur on otherwise normal-looking skin.  Generally, health professionals follow the ABCDE acronym when deciding whether or not an unusual area of the skin indicates melanoma.  Here is what to look for when assessing your moles:

·         A = Asymmetrical Shape.  Melanoma lesions are often irregular, or not symmetrical, in shape.  Whereas benign moles are usually symmetrical and nothing to be concerned about.

·         B = Border.  Melanoma lesions usually have irregular borders that are difficult to define.  Whereas, non-cancerous moles typically have smooth, even borders.

·         C = Color.  The presence of more than one color (blue, black, brown, tan, etc) or the uneven distribution of color observed on the skin can sometimes be a warning sign of melanoma that should be taken seriously.  Benign moles are usually a single shade of brown or tan.

·         D = Diameter.  Melanoma lesions will often appear to be greater than 6 millimeters in diameter (approximately the size of a pencil eraser).

·         E = Elevation.  The elevation of your mole(s) means that it is raised above the skin surface and is uneven.  The mole will also appear to look different than the rest, or will have appeared to change in size, shape, and/or color.

Other signs that may indicate suspicions with a mole would be itching, oozing, or bleeding.  Or those skin areas that you can peel off, but they consecutively return over a short period of time.  In order for a mole to be malignant moles they do not have to exactly match all of the characteristics that were listed.  In fact, they may only have a couple, so it is a good idea to become familiar with each and every one in order to seek immediate treatment.

The topics mentioned are generally the most important factors to consider when it comes to diagnosing melanoma.  In general we should all know our own bodies, so this means that by knowing what is normal for YOU could save your life.  If a mole has gone through recent changes in color and/or size, bring it to the attention of your provider immediately.  

Total Home Health has a program for you.  Our highly professional and compassionate staff can provide you with information regarding any questions or concerns you have regarding melanoma, and we will be with you along the way to provide care for you during what could be your most vulnerable time.