A skin biopsy can detect melanoma cells, and these cells are staged according to their growth patterns. The most important characteristic of melanoma is the thickness of the tumor, which is one of the most significant determinants of outcome. Low-risk primary melanoma is curable with surgery. Stage II melanoma is more likely to recur, but there is no evidence of distant spread.
When diagnosed with melanoma, the skin must be screened regularly to detect any change in size. A small, harmless mole may change over time into a cancerous mole. Skin cancer treatment for melanoma is similar to the treatment for cancer of other parts of the body, with surgery being the mainstay. If the cancer has spread to other parts of the body, treatment will depend on the type of cancer.
The most common form of non-melanoma skin cancer is squamous cell carcinoma. It accounts for approximately 20 percent of all non-melanoma skin cancers. Squamous cell cancer is most common in regions with prolonged exposure to UV light. It can develop following a severe sunburn in childhood. Non-melanoma skin cancer may also be a sign of more severe skin conditions.
Nodular melanoma grows deeper into the skin than other types. It typically appears as a patch that is flat or slightly raised with irregular borders. In older adults, it develops on the arms, legs, and scalp. It tends to grow in places that are difficult to detect. It may also appear as a black or blue area. Although the color of this type of melanoma is not always obvious, it is important to consult a doctor if you notice any of these symptoms.
While melanoma can occur anywhere on the body, it is most common on the legs, trunk, and upper back of men. It can appear as a raised bump, a mole, or a scaly patch, and can be as large as a pencil eraser. Despite the name, it is not easy to diagnose melanoma without a dermatoscope.
While melanoma is the most common type of skin cancer, there are also many non-melanoma varieties that are less common. The most common of these non-melanoma types is basal cell carcinoma. It begins in keratinocyte cells, which are skin cells. Merkel cell cancer, cutaneous lymphomas, and Kaposi sarcoma are all examples of non-melanoma skin cancer.
A non-melanoma form of skin cancer starts in cells in the skin’s outer layer, known as the epidermis. When the cells develop into a malignant tumor, they destroy nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. Despite the low risk of spreading, non-melanoma cancer is still dangerous for the patient, especially when it spreads to nearby areas. It is also important to understand that skin is the body’s largest organ and protects against harmful environmental factors, removes waste materials through sweat, and helps produce vitamin D.
Although UV radiation is one of the main environmental risk factors associated with melanoma, other factors such as genetics can also contribute to the risk. Research shows that UV radiation is the main risk factor of melanoma, and protecting yourself from UV radiation can help prevent this from happening. However, in many cases, this cancer cannot be detected in the early stages. So, a careful screening and early detection are essential.
