What does melanoma cancer look like? The first step is a skin biopsy. During a biopsy, doctors remove the cancer along with the healthy skin tissue. Sometimes the cancer is located in distant locations. However, even if the cancer is found in an area that is far away, it can still be treated. Depending on its size, a cancerous tumor may be surgically removed. If it is in an uninfected part of the body, the cancer may spread to lymph nodes.
If it spreads to the lymph nodes or metastasizes to other parts of the body, the patient may experience symptoms that are related to that area. Patients with melanoma cancer may experience bleeding or itching, and existing moles may change in appearance. They may also experience ulceration or bleed. In the later stages, radiation therapy may be recommended. To prevent further spread, patients should avoid high-intensity sunlight. Instead, they should seek shade between 10 a.m. and 6 p.m.
The best way to treat melanoma is to recognize it early. Early detection can improve the likelihood of survival, even though the cancer may spread. ACS calculates 5-year survival rates of people with melanoma, compared to those without the disease. Early detection of the cancer results in a 98% relative survival rate. But once the cancer has spread to distant areas, the survival rate is only 64%.
A high-intensity sunburn is a significant risk factor for melanoma. People with a high UVB exposure are at higher risk for the disease than those with low-intensity sunburns. The same is true for those with unusual moles – dysplastic nevi – which are irregularly shaped and contain mixtures of colors. Finally, the risk of melanoma is increased for those with close relatives with the disease.
Nodular melanomas tend to grow deeper than other types of melanoma. This type usually begins on the face or limbs, and eventually spreads to distant parts of the body. The melanomas typically grow slowly and spread. It’s difficult to spot in the early stages, and usually appears as a reddish or blue-black patch. If detected early, a melanoma can be easily removed by a dermatologist.
While UV rays are primarily from the sun, they can also be caused by man-made sources. Tanning beds emit UV rays and can damage DNA years before the cancer develops. Children and young adults are especially vulnerable to sun damage, and years later, they could develop the disease. And some melanomas occur in places that are rarely exposed to sunlight. These melanomas often have different gene changes, including the C-KIT gene.
People with compromised immune systems are also at an increased risk for developing melanoma. They may have taken medicine to suppress their immune system, or have an autoimmune disorder that causes their immune system to become weaker. Nevertheless, these people should avoid the sun’s rays in the middle of the day. Moreover, these rays are strongest at around 10 am and 4 pm. Instead, they should schedule outdoor activities for other times of the day.
