New Delhi: Melanoma is a quite aggressive and serious form of skin cancer, originating in melanocytes, such as cells responsible for pigmentation in the skin as they produce melanin pigment. Melanoma tends to spread more rapidly than squamous cell carcinoma or basal cell carcinoma and is most often harder to treat than other types of skin cancers once it advances. Increased melanoma risks are associated with elements of severe sun exposure, a history of sunburns, or unusual moles, and genetic predispositions. Because melanomas are quite serious, proper diagnosis and treatment at the initial stages greatly improve the likelihood of effective treatment and even prevent other parts of the body from being affected.
In an interaction with News9Live, Dr Sunil Kumar Prabhu, Consultant Dermatologist and Aesthetic Physician, Aster RV Hospitals, Bengaluru, spoke about how some of the most common symptoms of skin cancer, or melanoma, are often missed.
Fair Skin Type: (Caucasian and White races, with only a small percentage of Indian races): People with fair skin are more at risk of developing melanoma because they have fewer melanin pigments, providing lesser natural protection against UV radiation. Their skin will easily burn and tan less because of the increased sensitivity to sun rays, which increases their chance of developing sun damage and melanoma if proper protection against the sun is not followed.
Dark Skin Type: (More common in a greater percentage of Indian races): Dark-skinned people carry much more melanin, offering the body natural resistance from UV rays and subsequently bringing about a lower incidence risk of melanoma when in comparison with fair-skinned people. Yet, melanoma will still arise and possibly have a tougher time with identification in darker skin tones than in fair-skinned folk, who can develop cancer that often brings with it an alerting change in moles and freckles.
Moles and Melanoma Risk: Moles are generally innocuous but can develop into serious skin cancer known as melanoma. Melanomas can occur from existing moles or as new formations on the skin. Keeping an eye on moles for any changes in their size, shape, colour, or texture is a must since these changes can be an early sign of melanoma. The earliest detection and treatment would determine outcomes in a major way since performing self-examinations periodically and reporting any suspicious changes to a doctor plays a great role.
Early Detection using ABCDE
A (Asymmetry): One half of the mole or birthmark doesn’t match the other half.
B (Border): The edges are irregular, ragged, notched, or blurred.
C (Colour): It is irregular in color, sometimes black, brown, or tanned, and may also have white, gray, red, or blue patches.
D (Diameter): The spot is greater than 10 mm in diameter and is enlarging.
E (Evolution): It is changing in size, shape, or colour.
Any of these features should raise suspicion and be followed up on by a healthcare provider for any possible melanoma.
Prevention of melanoma
Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor of at least 30 and broad-spectrum protection.
Wear protective clothing, hats, and sunglasses.
Avoid exposure to direct sunlight, especially during peak hours between 10 am and 4 pm.
Avoid artificial sources of UV radiation, such as tanning beds.
Monitor your skin for changes or new growth.
Know risk factors such as family history, fair skin, many moles, and sunburn history.
Early treatment of melanoma
The treatment of melanoma can be primarily surgical excision: removal of the affected region with an additional margin of healthy tissue. If it has already spread to adjacent lymph nodes, a biopsy of lymph nodes may involve surgical removal and then examination. Immunotherapy encourages the immune system to identify and destroy cancer cells and has shown significant promise. Targeted drugs attempt to target specific genetic mutation features in melanoma cells aimed at blocking their growth, and new drugs are invented. In some instances, radiation therapy is utilised that kills cancer cells or relief symptoms
Early diagnosis of melanoma and prompt treatment increase the chances of a positive outcome. You must inspect your skin regularly for any changes in moles or spots since early knowledge is half the battle. Prevention by shielding your skin from UV radiation is the most critical measure to prevent melanoma. In case you notice anything abnormal on your skin, seek advice from your doctor for evaluation and appropriate treatment.
Early diagnosis of melanoma and prompt treatment increase the chances of a positive outcome. You must inspect your skin regularly for any changes in moles or spots since early knowledge is half the battle. Prevention by shielding your skin from UV radiation is the most critical measure to prevent melanoma. Health News Health News: Latest News from Health Care, Mental Health, Weight Loss, Disease, Nutrition, Healthcare
