If you think a melanoma cancer is only confined to your skin, think again. This aggressive cancer can spread throughout your body and may even become deadly. If detected early, melanoma is highly curable, but if it spreads too far, it can even kill you. In Australia, about two people in three will develop skin cancer. This means that you must seek medical advice as soon as you see any suspicious areas.
While melanoma cancer treatment options are available, your doctor will recommend which one will work best for you. The best treatment depends on your specific condition, where it is located, the spread of the cancer, and your personal preference. Surgery is the most common way to remove a melanoma. During surgery, a margin of safety is made around the cancer, which is typically five millimeters to two centimeters wide. This margin is designed to remove the cancer cells from the surrounding skin, while also preventing the melanoma from growing back at the same spot.
Although most cases of melanoma are caused by UV light, they can also develop in other parts of the body. Skin cancer is more likely to develop in people with fair skin because fair skin is less protected by the sun. However, even people with darker complexions can develop melanoma. Those with fair skin should avoid the sun’s intense rays during the day and schedule outdoor activities during other times of the day.
The best way to detect melanoma is to regularly check your skin. Look for abnormalities or patches on your skin, and consult a dermatologist for an examination. If you have a skin cancer, don’t wait! It’s always better to be safe than sorry! And remember to always protect your skin from further damage by wearing sunscreen! It’s worth it to take action sooner rather than later.
Your doctor may recommend a biopsy. This involves applying local anaesthetic to numb your skin, then using a scalpel to remove tissue from the suspected melanoma. The biopsy tissue is then sent to a pathology laboratory for analysis. Other forms of biopsy may involve removing a spot of skin and sending it to a lab for analysis. The most common biopsy methods include punch biopsy and surgical biopsy.
Melanoma may come in many different forms. Some types are more rare than others. For example, acral-lentiginous melanoma develops under a fingernail, a toenail, or palm. Others may develop on the soles or fingers. They may also develop on mucous membranes. These forms of melanoma can be mistaken for less serious conditions.
Although the exact cause of melanoma cancer is unknown, the development of skin cells in the sun is one of the main causes. The cells produce melanin, which determines the color of your skin. When these cells become damaged, they begin to grow out of control and develop into a mass of cancerous cells. Researchers don’t know what causes DNA damage in skin cells, but it’s likely a combination of factors, including exposure to UV radiation.
