Malignant
Melanoma is the most deadly of all skin cancers. One American
dies every hour from Malignant Melanoma. In 2007, more than
8000 died from Melanoma in the U.S. Nearly 60,000 Americans
developed invasive melanoma and 49,000 developed melanoma-in-situ,
limited to the top layer of the skin.
Melanoma
begins in the cells that produce the dark pigment, melanin,
which makes the skin tan and protects it from some UV damage.
Melanoma cells often appear in mixed shades of tan, brown,
and black although it can also be red or white. Once melanoma
extends beyond the top layer of the skin, it can metastasize
and kill if not treated. Early detection is very important
since 98% survival can be achieved with excision of superficial
melanomas, i.e., those less than .85mm in depth. Melanoma
can appear suddenly or begin in a mole or other dark spot
on the skin.
Who
gets melanoma? What are the risk factors? (The following may
be listed in bullet form.)
Excessive
sun or tanning bed exposure especially with blistering sunburn
prior to age 35.
Light-skinned,
freckled, red or blond haired individuals; those with family
history of melanoma, atypical moles, and more than 50 moles.
Individuals
with an outdoor job, especially as a teen.
Dark
skin is not a guarantee against melanoma. People with skin
of color can develop melanoma, especially on the palms, soles,
under the nails, or on the genitalia.
Warning
signs of melanoma include A, B, C, D, & E: (You may insert
the four photos after this list.)
Asymmetry:
One half does not match the other half in size, shape, color
or thickness.
Border
Irregularity: The edges or ragged, scalloped, or poorly defined.
Color:
The pigment is not uniform. Shades of tan, brown, and black
may be present. Dashes of red, white or blue may add toe the
mottled appearance.
Diameter:
6mm or greater is most typical (the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolution:
A change over time in sensation (itch, burn, pain), scaliness,
oozing, bleeding, or appearance of a new bump or the surface
of a mole or spreading of pigment from the border of a mole
into surrounding skin.
What
can you do to detect melanoma early and protect yourself?
Periodic
self-examination: Get familiar with your own pattern of moles,
freckles, and "beauty marks". Know your family history for
atypical moles or melanoma.
