Melanoma: What You Should Know

Melanoma starts in skin cells called melanocytes. These are the cells responsible for making melanin, which gives skin its color and protects the deeper layers of skin from UV rays. Sun exposure causes the skin to produce more melanin to protect the deeper layers and this results in the tanning of the skin. In terms to understand better, a suntan is a sign of skin damage. It means that the skin is producing more melanin to protect itself and the vulnerable deeper layers of the skin. If skin receives too much UV light, the melanocytes may grow abnormally and become cancerous - or melanoma.

The first sign of melanoma is often a change in size, shape, or color of a mole. It can also be the appearance of a new mole.

In men, melanoma often develops first on the upper body between the shoulders and the hips and on the head and neck. In women, it often develops first on the lower legs. While these are the most common locations for development, melanoma can be found anywhere on the skin.

Melanoma occurrence increases with age, but people of any age can be diagnosed with it. Melanoma is currently one of the most common cancers found in young adults.

Melanoma, if found and treated in the early stage, has a very good rate of recovery. However, if melanoma is not found early enough, it can grow deeper into the skin and spread to other parts of the body. This spread is called metastasis. Once melanoma has spread beyond the skin, it is very difficult to treat.

There are four types of melanoma.

Superficial Spreading Melanoma is the most common form of melanoma and is found in 70% of all melanoma cases. This type travels along the top layer of the skin for a fairly long time before penetrating deeper into the skin. It is often recognized by a flat or slightly raised discolored patch with irregular borders. The color can vary from tan, brown, black, red, blue, or white. This type of melanoma can occur in a previously benign mole.

Lentigo Maligna also remains close to the skin's surface for a while before penetrating deeper. It is seen as a flat or mildly elevated spot that is tan, brown, or dark brown in color.

Acral Lentiginous Melanoma spreads superficially before penetrating more deeply. It appears as a black or brown discoloration under the nails, on the soles of the feet, or on the palms of the hands.

Nodular Melanoma is usually already invasive at the time of diagnosis. Its malignancy is recognized with a bump discolored by blue, gray, white, brown, tan, red, or skin tone. This is the most aggressive form of melanoma and accounts for 10-15% of all melanoma cases.

The National Cancer Institute estimates that there will be 68,720 new cases of melanoma diagnosed in the U.S. in 2009. They also estimate that melanoma will result in 8,650 deaths in the U.S. in 2009.

Types of Melanoma, www.skincancer.org/types-of-melanoma.html, The Skin Cancer Foundation

What is Melanoma, www.melanoma.com/whatis.html, Melanoma.com

Melanoma, www.cancer.gov/cancertopics/types/melanoma, National Cancer Institute