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While it feels good to soak up some sunshine, excessive sun exposure can have serious consequences, including melanoma, the most dangerous form of skin cancer.
Although it accounts for only about 1% of skin cancer cases, melanoma is the most dangerous form of skin cancer. This is because, unlike other skin cancers, it has a higher tendency to spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body if not detected early.
This characteristic makes melanoma much more serious than other skin cancers, such as basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, which are typically less aggressive. This is why it is important to recognize the signs of melanoma early and get timely treatment.
At RGCC, we offer advanced diagnostic tools for the early detection of all types of cancer, including skin cancers.
Melanoma develops in the cells that produce melanin (melanocytes) - the pigment that gives your skin its color. Unlike a simple sunburn, melanoma is a serious condition where these cells grow uncontrollably and can spread to other parts of the body.
It is common knowledge that the sun is essential for vitamin D production in your body. However, it is important to guard against excessive exposure to its harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays.
Excessive exposure to UV rays is the primary cause of the development of melanoma. These rays penetrate the skin, damaging DNA within melanocytes. Over time, this damage can accumulate, leading to uncontrolled cell growth.
Tanning beds and sun lamps also increase your risk of developing melanoma.
Melanoma typically begins in the skin, but it can also develop in other parts of the body, such as the eyes (ocular melanoma) and, more rarely, in the mucous membranes of the nose, mouth, and other areas (mucosal melanoma).
This type of skin cancer isn't confined to sun-exposed areas. While it frequently appears on the back, legs, arms, and face, it can also develop on less obvious spots like the palms, soles, under the nails, and even inside the mouth or nose. This adaptability can make early detection a challenge.
Melanoma isn't a one-size-fits-all disease. There are several types, each with its unique characteristics.
This is the most common type of melanoma, often appearing as a flat, growing mole with irregular borders. This type of melanoma tends to grow slowly and horizontally across the top layers of the skin before penetrating deeper.
It often develops on the trunk of the body in men, the legs in women, and the upper back in both.
This aggressive form rapidly develops as a raised bump that is often black, but it can also be blue, gray, white, brown, tan, or red. This type of melanoma grows more quickly and vertically, penetrating deeper into the skin at a faster rate.
It can occur on any part of the body but is most frequently found on the trunk, legs, and head.
It typically occurs in older adults, developing from a precancerous condition called lentigo maligna. This type is less common and accounts for about 10% of all melanomas.
It usually begins as a flat or slightly elevated brown or tan patch, often on sun-exposed areas like the face and arms. It grows slowly and spreads superficially before becoming invasive.
This type of melanoma primarily affects people with darker skin tones, often appearing on the palms, soles, or under the nails. It accounts for about 5% of melanoma cases overall but is the most common type in people with darker skin.
It appears as a dark, irregularly shaped lesion, often under the nails, on the soles of the feet, or on the palms of the hands.
Ocular melanoma occurs in the eye. This type of melanoma is rare and can be difficult to detect because it develops inside the eye. In some cases, it may be possible to detect it during a routine eye exam.
Mucosal melanoma is a rare form of melanoma that occurs on mucous membranes, which line various parts of the body, including the nasal passages, mouth, throat, vagina, and anus. This type of melanoma can be aggressive and is often diagnosed at a later stage because it is harder to identify.
Melanoma can develop due to a combination of genetic, environmental, and personal factors.
One of the key factors that make melanoma so dangerous is its ability to spread quickly to other parts of the body, such as the lymph nodes, lungs, liver, or brain. Once melanoma has metastasized, it becomes much more difficult to treat, and the prognosis is often less favorable.
Early detection is critical in improving survival rates for melanoma. When caught in its earliest stages, melanoma is almost always curable with surgery. The key to early detection lies in understanding the risk factors, recognizing the early signs, and regularly checking your skin for any changes.
Early detection of melanoma is vital. The disease often shows up as a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual-looking growth on the skin.
Melanoma can vary in appearance, especially in people with darker skin tones. It’s essential to seek a professional evaluation if you notice any unusual changes. Here’s what to watch for:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other.
Border: Edges are irregular, ragged, or blurred.
Color: The mole has a variety of colors, such as different shades of brown, black, or even patches of pink, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: The spot is larger than 6mm across (about the size of a pencil eraser).
Evolving: The mole changes in size, shape, or color over time.
At RGCC, we offer advanced diagnostic tools to empower you in your skin health journey. Unlike traditional biopsies, our non-invasive liquid biopsies can provide valuable insights into the potential presence of melanoma and guide your next steps.
Prevention is the best defense against melanoma. Here are some actionable tips to reduce your risk:
Discover groundbreaking testing solutions pioneered by RGCC, which enable better cancer detection and care. Advances in personalized medicine, coupled with attentive follow-up and tailored interventions, empower us in the effort to reduce the impact of cancers like melanoma.
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Our mission is to empower patients with unique insights into their cancer biology, guiding them toward success in their cancer journey.
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