Malignant Melanoma
Skin cancer is the most common form of Cancer in the U.S., with over one million
new cases diagnosed every year. The good news is that with early detection and
intervention, most are curable.
Malignant Melanoma is a type of skin cancer. It begins in skin cells called
melanocytes. Melanocytes produce melanin, a pigment that gives our skin color
and causes our skin to tan. Clusters of melanocytes are found in moles. Doctors
also refer to moles as nevi.
Moles are very common. Moles can be flat or raised and can vary in size, shape
and color. They may be present at birth or may appear later in life. Congenital
nevi are moles that we have since birth and carry an increased risk of
developing into Malignant Melanoma.
Malignant Melanoma can triggered by repetitive sun exposure or by inheriting
certain genes from your parents. The incidence of melanoma is rising. People at
increased risk for getting melanoma include;
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Individuals with a light complexion (freckles), light hair color with blue,
green, or gray eyes,
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Individuals with a history of a severe sunburn before age 20,
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Individuals with a family
history of Malignant Melanoma or other skin cancer.
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Individuals with multiple
nevi or atypical nevi
However anyone with any skin color or from any ethnic background can
develop Malignant Melanoma.
A report from the National Cancer
Institute appearing in the Journal of Investigative Dermatology (JID) reveals a
startling Malignant Melanoma trend among young Caucasian women born after
1960.It is unclear whether the increased incidence of Malignant Melanoma relates
to the thinning of the ozone layer or increased exposure to natural sunlight or
ultraviolet rays in tanning booths.
To find out if your mole could be a Malignant Melanoma, a
Dermatologist will need to examine you. If your mole is suspicious appearing,
your doctor will likely take a small sample of it (biopsy)
Early diagnosis and removal of the suspicious or cancerous mole is
crucial! Once melanoma has spread the chance of cure drops dramatically. You
should tell your doctor if you have any new moles or existing moles that are
changing.
Once the doctor takes a biopsy of the mole they will send the biopsy
to a Dermatopathologist who can make the diagnosis of a Malignant Melanoma based
upon microscopic examination.
If a Malignant Melanoma is diagnosed early, surgical removal is
curative.
Don't wait, visit your Dermatologist today!