Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that can form on the skin in any part of the body. There are symptoms that one should be aware of to detect melanoma at an early stage and get a suitable treatment. A skin biopsy test along with MRI, CT, and PET scans provide accurate information about the spread of cancerous cells.
Melanoma is a cancerous tumor that develops from melanocytes. These are cells that make melanin, the skin’s natural pigment. When the skin produces more melanin due to damage by UV rays, it causes the skin to darken. When melanocytes get damaged, they form cancerous cells. To prevent melanoma, a person can limit their exposure to sunlight and other sources of harmful UV rays. Melanoma can sometimes be black or brown in colour; but it can also be pink, red, purple or skin-cultured. It is most commonly observed in young women.
It is important to detect melanoma early on so that its aggressive spread in the body can be restricted. Some of its most common signs are the appearance of moles, scaly patches, open sores or raised bumps. These signs are most commonly observed on the legs in women and on the back in men.
Signs and Symptoms
It is advised not to delay medical attention if a person notices any signs because it can spread vigorously. Mentioned below is a memory hack or abbreviation called “ABCDE” to remember the key changes on a pre-existing or a fresh mole –
- Asymmetry: One half does not match the other half.
- Border: The edges are not smooth.
- Color: The color is uneven, with shades of grey, red, brown, black or white.
- Diameter: The spot is greater than the tip of a pencil eraser.
- Evolving: The spot is new or changing in shape, size or colour.
Risk Factors
The main cause behind melanoma remains unclear. However, some people are at a higher risk of developing melanoma. These include –
- An individual with a history of melanoma.
- A person who has a family history of this disease.
- A person with fair skin, freckles or blue eyes.
- Increased sun exposure causing blisters and sunburns.
- Regular use of a tanning bed.
- Pre-existing moles, especially atypical moles.
- A weakened immune system.
Diagnosis
There are diagnostic tests that doctors recommend when a person exhibits signs of melanoma. Dermatologists diagnose melanoma with the help of skin biopsy tests. In this procedure, a pathologist takes a small sample of tissue for examination under a microscope. This helps them identify the diseases of the skin. It is done in various ways like punch biopsy, excisional biopsy, and tissue biopsy. Besides getting a well-priced skin biopsy test, a CBC, LDH, and a few other blood tests are prescribed by a medical practitioner. When melanoma cells develop in a person’s lymph nodes, image testing is the most precise diagnostic procedure to detect its malignancy. For this purpose, a CT scan, an MRI scan, and a PET scan are recommended.
Based on the test results and the spread of the cancerous cells, a prognosis is created. It is highly recommended to consult an experienced doctor to get the most reliable cancer diagnosis and treatment.
