Summary about Disease
Malignant melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment responsible for skin color). It is the most serious type of skin cancer because it is more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early. While less common than other skin cancers like basal cell carcinoma and squamous cell carcinoma, melanoma is responsible for the majority of skin cancer deaths. Early detection and treatment are crucial for a positive outcome.
Symptoms
The most important warning sign of melanoma is a change in the size, shape, color, or texture of an existing mole or the appearance of a new mole. The "ABCDE" rule is a helpful guide:
Asymmetry: One half of the mole does not match the other half.
Border: The edges of the mole are irregular, blurred, or notched.
Color: The mole has uneven colors (shades of black, brown, tan, red, white, or blue).
Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about 1/4 inch) or is growing in size.
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, elevation, or any other trait, or new symptoms such as bleeding, itching, or crusting. Other symptoms may include:
A new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on the skin.
A dark streak under a fingernail or toenail.
Melanoma can occur in areas that aren't exposed to the sun, such as under the nails, on the soles of the feet, or in the mouth.
Causes
The primary cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning beds. UV radiation damages the DNA of melanocytes, leading to mutations that can cause them to grow uncontrollably. Other risk factors include:
Fair skin: People with fair skin, freckles, light hair, and blue eyes are at higher risk.
History of sunburn: Having one or more severe, blistering sunburns, especially during childhood or adolescence.
Family history of melanoma: Having a close relative (parent, sibling, or child) who has had melanoma.
Many moles: Having more than 50 common moles or any atypical (dysplastic) moles.
Weakened immune system: Being immunocompromised due to illness or medication.
Genetic factors: Certain inherited gene mutations (such as mutations in the BRAF gene) can increase the risk.
Medicine Used
Treatment for melanoma depends on the stage of the cancer and may include:
Surgery: Removal of the melanoma and some surrounding tissue.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that help the body's immune system fight cancer cells (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab).
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific mutations in melanoma cells (e.g., vemurafenib, dabrafenib, trametinib). These are used if the melanoma cells have specific mutations, like BRAF.
Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells, although less common in melanoma treatment compared to other cancers.
Local therapies: For melanoma that has spread to the limbs, options include isolated limb infusion or isolated limb perfusion, which deliver chemotherapy directly to the affected limb.
Is Communicable
No, malignant melanoma is not communicable. It is not an infectious disease and cannot be spread from person to person.
Precautions
Seek Shade: Especially during peak sun hours (10 AM to 4 PM).
Wear Protective Clothing: Long sleeves, pants, wide-brimmed hats, and sunglasses.
Use Sunscreen: Apply a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher liberally and reapply every two hours, or more often if swimming or sweating.
Avoid Tanning Beds and Sunlamps: These are major sources of UV radiation.
Perform Regular Skin Self-Exams: Look for new or changing moles or skin lesions.
See a Dermatologist: Have a dermatologist examine your skin regularly, especially if you have risk factors for melanoma.
How long does an outbreak last?
Melanoma is not an "outbreak" like an infectious disease. It is a type of cancer that develops over time. The duration of melanoma depends on when it is detected and treated. Early detection and treatment can lead to a cure. If left untreated, melanoma can spread to other parts of the body and become life-threatening.
How is it diagnosed?
Skin Examination: A dermatologist will examine the skin for suspicious moles or lesions.
Dermoscopy: Using a handheld magnifying device (dermatoscope) to examine moles more closely.
Biopsy: Removing a sample of the suspicious mole or lesion and examining it under a microscope to determine if it is cancerous. The biopsy type (shave, punch, excisional) depends on the size and location of the suspected melanoma.
Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: If melanoma is present, a sentinel lymph node biopsy may be performed to see if the cancer has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
Imaging Tests: If there is concern that melanoma has spread, imaging tests such as X-rays, CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans may be used to look for tumors in other parts of the body.
Timeline of Symptoms
Melanoma symptoms don't follow a predictable, fixed timeline. They develop gradually.
Early Stage: Often, there are no symptoms other than a change in an existing mole or the appearance of a new, unusual-looking mole. This change may be subtle at first.
Intermediate Stage: The mole may grow larger, change color, become raised, itchy, or bleed.
Advanced Stage: If melanoma spreads to other parts of the body (metastasis), symptoms will depend on the location of the metastases. These may include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, weight loss, bone pain, or neurological symptoms.
Important Considerations
Early Detection is Key: The earlier melanoma is detected and treated, the better the chance of a cure.
Self-Exams are Important: Regularly examine your skin for any new or changing moles or lesions.
Follow-Up Care is Essential: After treatment for melanoma, regular follow-up appointments with a dermatologist are necessary to monitor for recurrence.
Risk Factors Matter: Understand your personal risk factors for melanoma and take steps to reduce your risk.
Seek Expert Opinion: If you have any concerns about a mole or skin lesion, see a dermatologist for evaluation.