A common form of skin cancer is melanoma, which is a type of malignant melanoma that can spread quickly and cause serious complications. This cancer can appear as a red, scaly or brown patch that develops on the face or other parts of the body that do not get sun exposure. A doctor will remove large portions of the skin as part of the treatment. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer, resulting in extensive physical and mental suffering.
People of color have a higher risk of developing melanoma than nonwhites, but it is not as common. This type of cancer often presents itself at an advanced stage, making it more difficult to detect. In general, skin cancer in people of color is harder to diagnose because the lesions are often mistaken for warts, fungus, or a dark nail. The good news is that skin cancer is curable, and early detection can dramatically improve the chances of survival.
People with fair skin and light-colored eyes are most at risk for this type of skin cancer. Sunlamps and tanning beds are also common causes. People with a family history of skin cancer are also at a higher risk. Those who are exposed to UV light therapy should visit their dermatologist regularly. In addition, the early diagnosis of skin cancer increases the chances of successful treatment. However, there is no one single cure for skin cancer.
The two most common types of skin cancer are basal cell carcinoma and melanoma. Basal cells are the flat cells in the outer layer of the epidermis. Melanoma develops from a melanocyte in the body. These cells produce melanin, which gives skin color. However, they can also become cancerous. Melanoma starts in the melanocytes, the pigment that gives us color.
While scientists do not know why people of color develop cancer in areas of the body that are not exposed to sunlight, they do observe that melanoma is more common in people of color than in people of lighter skin. Dermatologists regularly see a variety of colors, from fair to dark, and people with dark skin are at increased risk for the disease. Fortunately, many people with moles do not develop melanoma. Some are born with them, while others develop between ten and forty moles. However, there are rare instances where these moles develop into melanoma. If you have more than fifty moles, the risk of developing melanoma is increased.
Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage at which the cancer was diagnosed. It can be treated using surgery, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy. Radiation therapy, in particular, is recommended when surgery is not possible. During chemotherapy, a drug called cisplatin or epirubicidin is given orally. Once in the body, these drugs can slow down cancer cell growth and spread to other parts of the body. A treatment for melanoma can even stop the spread of the cancer cells to nearby tissues and organs.
