Malignant
Malignant melanoma is the most aggressive kind of skin cancer. At current rates, 1 in 74 Americans will develop melanoma during his or her lifetime. In fact, malignant melanoma accounts for 1% of all cancer deaths in US.
Melanoma can affect all ethnic and racial groups; however, the typical melanoma patient has a fair complexion and a tendency to sunburn rather than tan, even after a brief exposure to sunlight. Lesions are most commonly found on sun-exposed areas of the body and probably there is a relation between sun-exposure and malignant melanoma. Research has shown that the use of sun beds (which give off artificial UV radiation) increases the risk of developing malignant melanoma. If you have used a sun bed at any age you should know that you have a greater risk of developing malignant melanoma. If you have a close relative with melanoma (parents, sisters, brothers, children) you are more at risk. Also if you have a lot of moles, you have a higher than average risk of developing melanoma.
You should know that not any mole is a melanoma. But I recommend you to go see your physician if you have the signs listed below:
• Asymmetry – ordinary moles are usually symmetric. Draw an imaginary line through the middle of the lesion, either up and down or side to side. Are the two sides the same size and shape (symmetric)? Melanomas are usually asymmetric.
• Border – moles usually have a well-defined regular border. The edges of melanomas are usually ragged, jagged, notched, or blurred.
• Color – benign moles can be any color, but a single mole will be only one color. Melanoma often has a variety of hues and colors within the same lesion (usually shades of brown mixed with black, red, pink, or white).
• Diameter - melanomas continue to grow, while moles remain small. If your lesion is larger than a pencil eraser (6mm) it might be more than an ordinary mole.
• Itching, crusting or bleeding may also occur in melanomas. Although they are less common signs but should be careful.
Anyway, very few ordinary moles become malignant melanomas but it is safer to discuss with your doctor about every skin lesion that worries you.
List of Cancers »- A - Adrenocortical Carcinoma Anal Cancer - B - Bladder Cancer Brain Tumors: (Stem Glioma, Astrocytoma, Ependymoma, Medulloblastoma, Supratentorial Primitive Neuroectodermal...
Malignant »Since excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation is one contributing factor to melanoma, it makes common sense to...
Comments
No comments yet.
Leave a comment