Summary about Disease
Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that develops from melanocytes, the cells that produce melanin (the pigment that gives skin its color). It's characterized by the uncontrolled growth of these cells. While less common than other types of skin cancer, melanoma is more dangerous because it's more likely to spread to other parts of the body if not detected and treated early.
Symptoms
Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn't match the other half.
Border irregularity: The edges are notched, uneven, or blurred.
Color variation: The mole has uneven colors, such as black, brown, tan, red, white, or blue.
Diameter: The mole is larger than 6 millimeters (about 1/4 inch) in diameter.
Evolving: The mole is changing in size, shape, color, or elevation, or a new symptom, such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, appears. Other symptoms may include:
A new mole that looks different from other moles.
A sore that doesn't heal.
Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin.
Redness or swelling beyond the border of the mole.
Itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
Blurred vision or partial loss of sight if melanoma is in the eye (ocular melanoma).
Causes
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation: Exposure to UV radiation from sunlight or tanning beds is the primary cause.
Genetic factors: Family history of melanoma increases the risk. Certain inherited genetic mutations can also increase susceptibility.
Moles: Having many moles (more than 50) or atypical moles (dysplastic nevi) increases the risk.
Fair skin: People with fair skin, freckles, and light hair are at higher risk.
Weakened immune system: Conditions or treatments that weaken the immune system increase the risk.
Medicine Used
Treatment options depend on the stage of melanoma:
Surgery: Surgical removal of the melanoma is the primary treatment for early-stage melanoma.
Immunotherapy: Drugs that boost the body's immune system to fight cancer cells (e.g., pembrolizumab, nivolumab, ipilimumab).
Targeted therapy: Drugs that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth (e.g., vemurafenib, dabrafenib, trametinib, encorafenib, binimetinib). These are used if the melanoma cells have certain mutations, such as BRAF mutations.
Chemotherapy: Used less often than other treatments, but may be used for advanced melanoma (e.g., dacarbazine, temozolomide).
Radiation therapy: May be used to treat melanoma that has spread to other areas of the body or to treat melanoma that cannot be surgically removed.
Topical treatments: For thin melanomas on the skin's surface, topical creams like imiquimod may be used.
Is Communicable
No, melanoma is not communicable. It cannot be spread from person to person through contact.
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 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: Tanning beds emit UV radiation that can cause melanoma.
Regular skin self-exams: Check your skin regularly for new or changing moles.
Professional skin exams: See a dermatologist for regular skin exams, especially if you have a family history of melanoma or many moles.
How long does an outbreak last?
Melanoma is not an "outbreak" in the infectious disease sense. It's a cancer that develops over time. The duration of melanoma depends on how early it is detected and treated. Untreated melanoma can continue to grow and spread.
How is it diagnosed?
Skin exam: A visual inspection of the skin by a doctor.
Dermoscopy: Using a special magnifying device to examine moles more closely.
Biopsy: Removing a sample of suspicious skin for examination under a microscope. The type of biopsy depends on the size and location of the lesion.
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 melanoma has spread, imaging tests such as CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans may be used to assess the extent of the cancer.
Timeline of Symptoms
The timeline of melanoma symptoms varies. Some melanomas develop quickly, while others grow slowly over months or years. Changes in a mole can occur gradually or rapidly. Regular self-exams and professional skin exams are crucial for early detection.
Early stages: change in size, shape, color, or elevation of a mole, or a new symptom, such as bleeding, itching, or crusting, appears.
Later stages: Symptoms may include: Spread of pigment from the border of a spot into surrounding skin, Redness or swelling beyond the border of the mole, Itchiness, tenderness, or pain.
Important Considerations
Early detection is key: The earlier melanoma is detected and treated, the better the chances of successful treatment.
Sun protection is essential: Protecting your skin from UV radiation can significantly reduce your risk of melanoma.
Follow-up care: After treatment, regular follow-up appointments with a dermatologist are necessary to monitor for recurrence.
Psychological support: Dealing with a cancer diagnosis can be emotionally challenging. Support groups, counseling, and other resources can help.
Personalized treatment: Treatment plans should be tailored to the individual based on the stage of melanoma, genetic mutations, and overall health.