Malignant melanoma is the most serious of the three types of skin cancer , and Squamous cell carcinoma, previous article. This is because, unlike the other two, malignant melanoma often metastasizes, or spreads, throughout the body. Changes in the underlying skin cells that produce melanin, or skin-coloring pigment, cause a malignant, or life-threatening, tumor to develop. This cancerous lump sometimes develops from pigment cells in a mole present since birth, sometimes in a mole that developed later, and sometimes from pigment cells in what looks like ordinary skin. Many years of exposure to strong sunlight seem to playa part in the development of the disease.
What are The Symptoms of Malignant melanoma?
The most common symptom is that a mole you have had since childhood changes in one of several ways, It may begin to spread, to become patchy, lighter or darker, to develop a black margin that spreads into the surrounding skin, to bleed spontaneously, or to itch. Later it develops a lump and becomes thicker. Another common symptom is the development of a new mole at any time after adolescence. These moles also develop a lump and thicken if the disease is present. Less commonly, a pale patch may develop.
What are The Risks?
This form of skin cancer is not as common as the other two. Melanoma rarely occurs before adolescence. When it does it may occur in a mole present from birth. The tumors appear to be more prevalent among middleaged or elderly people with light skin who have spent much of their lives in strong sunlight. Because the cancer may spread quickly, early recognition, diagnosis and treatment is essential. Otherwise the outlook is poor.
What Should be Done?
A change in a mole may not signal cancer, but may be due to some minor injury. In the same way, a change in the pigment of an area may be caused by a harmless skin condition. However, if you develop any of the symptoms described, you should take no chances and should see a physician immediately. Even if the physician thinks the mole or paler skin is harmless, he or she may still recommend that you have it removed and examined under a microscope for signs of cancerous cells. If the diagnosis of malignant melanoma is confirmed, you will probably be hospitalized immediately for treatment. The melanoma is cut out along with a wide margin of nearby tissue. In addition, any nearby lymph glands may be removed, because the cancer car: spread through them. A skin graft to cover the area is often done at the same time. In some cases, cytotoxic, or anticancer, drugs are also given .
Tags:body changes, cancerous lump, melanoma, new mole, pigment cells, skin coloring, skin condition, squamous cell carcinoma symptoms of malignant melanoma
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