Melanoma

Image via WikipediaMelanoma

Melanoma is the most dangerous and malignant of all skin cancers. It forms first in the skin cells that make melanin, which gives skin its color. Melanin also protects the deeper layers of the skin from the sun's harmful ultraviolet (UV) rays. If the skin receives too much ultraviolet light, the melanocytes may begin to grow abnormally and become cancerous, which is melanoma.

Melanoma can appear anywhere on the skin, but is most common in men above the waist, and on women on the lower legs. If it is caught early and treated properly, often prognosis is very good. But if melanoma metastasizes (spreads to other parts of the body), it is extremely difficult to treat.

People are at higher risk if they have a family history of melanoma, if they have ever had a severe, blistering sunburn as a child or teenager, if they have fair eyes and skin, if they frequently spend time in the sun without sun protection between the hours of 10 AM and 4 PM, or if they have many freckles.

A dermatologist may biopsy the suspected site to look at the cells under a microscope in order to make a correct diagnosis. In early stage melanoma, surgical removal is often the only treatment needed. In late stage melanoma, other adjuvant treatments such as immunotherapy, chemotherapy and radiation therapy may be required. If melanoma spreads to distant parts of the body or to other organs, it cannot be cured.