ONCOLOGY_2_MELANOMA

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MELANOMA


What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a form of skin cancer arising from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells in the skin. While it is less common than other skin cancers, it is significantly more dangerous due to its ability to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not caught early.

Causes and Risk Factors

The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun or tanning beds. Factors that increase the risk of melanoma include:
- Fair Skin: Less melanin provides less protection from UV radiation.
- History of Sunburns: Severe, blistering sunburns, especially in early life, increase risk.
- Excessive UV Exposure: Frequent use of tanning beds or extensive sun exposure.
- Family History: A family history of melanoma increases risk.
- Moles: Having many moles or unusual moles can be a risk factor.
- Weakened Immune System: Immunocompromised individuals are at higher risk.

Signs and Symptoms

Melanoma can develop anywhere on the body, but it often occurs in areas exposed to the sun, such as the back, legs, arms, and face. It can also occur in less typical places like the soles of the feet, palms, and under fingernails. 

The most common signs to watch for can be remembered with the ABCDE rule:
- Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
- Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
- Color: The color is not the same all over and may include shades of brown or black, sometimes with patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
- Diameter: The spot is larger than 6 millimeters across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
- Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, or color.

Diagnosis

If melanoma is suspected, a biopsy is performed where a sample of the suspicious skin lesion is examined under a microscope. Additional imaging tests may be required to determine if the cancer has spread.

Treatment

Treatment depends on the stage of melanoma:

- Early Stage: Surgical removal of the melanoma and some surrounding tissue is often sufficient.
- Advanced Stage: When melanoma has spread, treatments may include:
  - Surgery: To remove affected lymph nodes.
  - Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
  - Targeted Therapy: Drugs that target specific genetic changes in melanoma cells.
  - Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells, though it's less commonly used for melanoma.
  - Radiation Therapy: Uses high-energy beams to kill cancer cells, often used for brain metastases.

Prevention

Preventative measures include:
- Sun Protection: Use broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher, wear protective clothing, and avoid peak sun hours.
- Avoid Tanning Beds: They emit UV radiation that can increase melanoma risk.
- Regular Skin Checks: Both self-examinations and professional check-ups to monitor for new or changing moles.

Prognosis

The prognosis for melanoma depends on various factors, including the stage at diagnosis and the tumor's characteristics. Early-stage melanomas have a high cure rate, while more advanced stages have a poorer prognosis but can be managed with newer treatments that have improved survival rates.

Regular monitoring and early detection remain crucial for managing and treating melanoma effectively.

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