Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, which are the pigment-producing cells of the skin. These cells produce melanin, which is responsible for the color in the hair, eyes, and skin. According to the National Cancer Institute, only 2% of all skin cancers result in melanoma, so it is very rare indeed. However, that also makes it extremely dangerous and the deadliest of all skin cancers. Herein, we discuss the various prevention methods, symptoms, and treatment options for melanoma:

Causes and risk factors
Exposure to sunlight’s ultraviolet rays is the chief cause of melanoma. UV rays could damage the melanocytes’ DNA, causing them to grow uncontrollably into a tumor. Excessive exposure to UV radiation, the use of tanning beds, and blistering sunburns in childhood increase the risk for melanoma.

Individuals with more than 50 regular moles are likelier to develop melanoma. Also, melanoma strikes fair-skinned people more often, since lesser skin pigmentation means lesser protection from UV radiation. Melanoma tumors most commonly occur in areas of the body which are exposed to direct sunlight like face, head, legs, and arms. Melanoma is believed to be caused by a combination of environmental and genetic factors. Individuals with a family history of melanoma are more likely to develop it.

Symptoms
Melanoma first appears as an unusual mole or as an existing mole undergoing changes. Moles that are asymmetric, have ragged borders, uneven coloration, and are larger than a pencil eraser’s diameter could be melanoma. Moles that itch or bleed are also warning signs for melanoma.

Treatment
If the lesion or the cancerous cells have not spread beyond the surface of the skin, then a simple surgery could be enough to cure the melanoma. However, if the melanoma spreads to other parts of the body, then it can be quite difficult to treat. If the lesion is more than 1 mm in depth, then surgeons could perform a sentinel node biopsy. The process employs a dye to see if the lesion has spread to the lymph node system. After that, surgeons will take out the spot and the dyed lymph nodes, which are checked if they are cancerous. If the sentinel nodes happen to be cancer-free, then the surgeons probably will not have to take out any more lymph nodes. Individuals for whom the melanoma has spread outside their skin’s surface could require biological therapy, radiation, and chemotherapy for treating the cancer.

Prevention
Avoiding tanning beds is the first, simple, and easiest step. Wearing sunscreen throughout the year is a second one. It is important to choose a sunscreen that has a high SPF rating of at least 30, even on cloudy and rainy days, for the best protection. One should block the sun’s UV rays using tightly woven clothing, visors, and hats. Staying out of the midday sun, i.e., between 10:00 and 16:00 when the radiation is the strongest, is another great way to protect the skin. Finally, getting regular skin cancer screenings is also important.