Melanoma is a less common skin cancer than other forms, but it is still more likely to spread and grow than any other types. It is also far more deadly than other skin cancers. It is fifth after breast, lung and prostate cancers.
Melanoma is diagnosed at an average age of 63. However, this condition has been increasing in younger adults. It is now one of the most prevalent cancers in young adults in the U.S.
Melanoma is more common in people with lighter skin tones. Melanoma cases have been steadily increasing over the past 30+ years, and more so in the last 10 years. The melanoma rate has increased by 1.8% per year for both men and women over 40 in the United States. Each year, more than 9,000 people are affected by melanoma.
Awareness is the key to success. Here are the warning signs, causes and treatment information that you should be aware of.
What is Melanoma Skin Cancer?
According to insurance companies and medical professionals, melanoma can be considered “internal” cancer. Because melanoma can spread from your skin cells (metastasize), to other parts or your body. Basal and squamous cells skin cancers are less common.
The epidermis (or top layer of your skin) is composed of three layers of skin cells. The epidermis is composed of three layers: the outermost layer has squamous cells; the middle layer has basal cells; and the bottom layer contains melanocytes. Melanin is a pigment that protects deeper skin layers from the sun’s rays.
Melanoma refers to cancer of the melanocytes.
5 Signs of Melanoma?
Use the “ABCDE rule” to check for melanoma. This will allow you to spot a mole not as innocent as it may seem.
- Asymmetry: The mole’s side doesn’t match up with the other.
- Border: The edges are notched, blurred or irregular.
- Color: There are many shades of brown and black, as well as areas of red, white, pink, or blue.
- Diameter: The spot has a diameter greater than a pencil eraser and more than 1/4″ in diameter. They can sometimes be smaller.
- Evolution: The mole is constantly changing its shape, size or color.
Even with the help of this guide, diagnosing skin cancer can be difficult, especially for an untrained eye. A dermatologist is the best option if you have any questions or doubts about a mole or spot. Make sure you mention any questions, such as:
- Any new spots
- A sore that isn’t healed will not heal.
- Any spot on your skin that isn’t like the others
- The color that extends beyond the borders of a spot to the surrounding skin
- A new or reddening mole beyond the borders of a mole
- Surface changes such as scaliness, bleeding or oozing.
- Tenderness, itching, or pain in a particular area that won’t disappear or doesn’t get better. Then, it comes back.
What Causes Melanoma Skin Cancer?
There is no single cause of melanoma, but there are several risk factors. Although it doesn’t mean you will develop melanoma from one or more of these risk factors, it can increase your chances.
You are probably well aware that tanning beds and sun exposure are risk factors for skin cancers. What is the deal with the sun and tanning beds? Is sunscreen the solution? Some people may say, “I don’t burn, but I tan.” This could mean that they are comfortable soaking up the sun and going to tanning salons.
The issue with skin cancer is not whether you get sunburned (although it’s never good), but how much UV radiation you have been exposed to. This is, at the very least, the most dangerous risk factor.
It is the UV radiation that can make your melanocytes turn cancerous. Sunscreen protects you against this. This radiation, even though it is only 5% of UV rays from sunlight, has very high energy.
Additional risk factors for melanoma:
- Fair skin
- Sunburn history
- Many moles
- Melanoma in the family
- A weak immune system
Can sunscreen prevent melanomas?
According to stop skin cancer. Sun screen means that some UV rays can’t be blocked or filtered. SPF 15 sunscreen blocks 93% UVB radiation and SPF 30, blocks 97%. Not all sunscreens can block UVA radiation. This is what causes skin damage and premature aging. Look for sunscreens that are “broad spectrum” if you need protection from both.
You might be thinking, “Those numbers seem pretty good!” But it wouldn’t be true if there were other factors that drastically reduced these percentages. We don’t apply enough protection to be sure we get it all. If you don’t apply protection at least once every two hours, your protection will wear off and you’ll be exposed.
Remember that SPF sweats and rubs off. You’re actually getting less protection than you think. SPF should not be your only form of sun protection.
Yes, you should use sunscreen when in direct sunlight. But, it is also important to combine sunscreen with other protection sources, such as:
- Avoid the sun between 10 and 4 p.m.
- A wide-brimmed hat is a good choice
- Sunglasses with UVA/UVB protection
- Protective clothing against UV rays
Melanoma Treatment
The stage of the cancer will play a major role in how early melanoma survivors are expected to be. The earlier melanoma can be detected and treated, then the better the chances of it not returning. Remember that statistics only apply to the general population. They may not be applicable to each individual. The number can give you an idea of your situation and motivate you to take proactive steps in your care.
The Melanoma Research Alliance states that the 5-year survival rate for melanoma stage patients is:
- Localized melanoma (Stage 0, I, and II): 98.4%
- Regional melanoma (Stage I): 63.6%
- Metastatic melanoma (Stage IV): 22.5%
Stage 0
The epidermis, the outermost layer of the skin, is where cancer cells reside. Melanoma can be treated surgically, with very small margins. This is often the only treatment required. This stage of melanoma is very curable and there is little chance for recurrence.
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Stage I
The melanoma has reached a thickness of 2.0 millimeters, or less, at this stage. This is approximately the same size as a sharpened pencil tip. The cancer has not spread to lymph nodes, lymph tissue, or other body organs. The tumor can be removed during minor surgery. The risk of recurrence and metastasis to other parts is low in Stage I.
Stage II
The second stage is when the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, lymph tissue, and other body organs. Although it can be treated by surgery, there is still a high chance of recurrence or metastasis.
Stage III
The third stage is when the melanoma has reached the base of the dermis and spread to nearby lymph vessels, lymphodes or skin.
Melanoma at this stage may be treated with surgery, but it is possible to cure it by using a combination approach. Stage III is considered to be intermediate to high-risk for recurrence and metastasis.
Stage IV
The fourth stage is when the melanoma has penetrated the dermis completely and reached the subcutaneous fat layer. It can spread to the liver, brain, lungs, and gastrointestinal tract.
For a more aggressive treatment, you can combine several treatments. It is hard to treat because it has spread. Only a few people are able to respond to treatment and live for many years.
Melanoma and Elder Care
Sometimes, melanoma can appear in areas that have not been exposed to ultraviolet rays. This is often due to genetics or other factors that activate melanocytes, which can cause cancer cells to grow. It is important that caregivers be aware of signs and symptoms of melanoma, even in the genital region.
You should note any changes that have occurred when you are changing incontinence or adult diapers for your loved one. Follow the guidelines in this article to ensure you are regularly checking for any signs of melanoma or other skin cancers.
