Americans, on the other hand, tend to develop melanomas on their hands, feet, and palms. Rarely, they develop in the mouth or digestive tract. Melanomas are closely related to exposure to sunlight. In fact, people with a first-degree relative with melanoma have an eight-fold higher risk of developing the disease.
For nonmelanoma skin cancer, surgery is usually enough to completely cure the disease. In some cases, surgery may be followed by chemotherapy or radiation. Chemotherapy involves the administration of anti-cancer drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be given intravenously, taken in tablet form, or applied directly to the affected area. However, treatment for melanoma requires surgery and chemotherapy. Radiation therapy, meanwhile, involves the use of high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
Genetic factors are also associated with the development of melanoma. Researchers have identified a genetic mutation in the melanocortin 1 receptor gene as the cause of familial clustering. Nonetheless, genetic mutations are not necessarily hereditary. Although familial clustering of melanoma is rare, it does exist and is thought to be transmitted from parent to child. The genetic mutation is responsible for seven to fifteen percent of cases of melanoma.
Besides the age-related factors, cumulative exposure to the sun is a risk factor for non-melanoma skin cancer. People with light skin, freckles, and fair hair have a higher incidence of non-melanoma skin cancer. Typical locations for melanomas are the palms, soles, and mucous membranes. If you want to learn more about melanoma, take a look at the links between sun exposure and cancer risk.
A physician may also conduct a biopsy in the event a suspicious mole or blemish is discovered. Early detection is key to successful treatment. A primary care physician can inspect your skin and refer you to a dermatologist for further testing. A biopsy requires a sample of the suspected area for proper diagnosis. Once a biopsy is completed, a doctor will use a microscopic microscope to determine the type of cancer.
Despite the risks associated with melanoma, early detection and treatment are critical in the survival of a patient. It’s estimated that 90 percent of cases of melanoma are due to sun exposure. The disease can strike any age but is most likely to occur in people who spend a significant amount of time outdoors in the sun. Most melanomas are found on the skin but can also occur on the eyes, linings of internal organs, and even in the brain.
Another type of melanoma is squamous cell carcinoma, which develops in the skin. It is more common among people over 40. It manifests as a raised bump with a crusted ulcer at the center. Symptoms may not be present. However, if they do, they may indicate cancerous cells. If left untreated, melanoma is incurable.
