What you need to know about Melanoma Skin Cancer

The most dangerous form of skin cancer is melanoma skin cancer. Though it may lead to death, if recognized and treated early, it is possible to completely cure the disease. Melanoma skin cancer is not a common form of skin cancer but it can cause death.

In melanoma skin cancer, the tumor originates in the melanocytes, which are cells that are responsible for producing melanin, the pigment that colors skin, eyes and hair. Most of the melanomas are black or brown; while there may be some melanomas which are skin colored, red, blue, purple, pink or white. Melanoma skin cancer is divided into four categories where three of them occupy the top layers of the skin and are sometimes invasive in nature. It is the fourth type of cancer that is invasive from its inception and serious as it penetrates deep into the skin and may spread to other parts of the body.

70%PRCTG% of this cancer is the superficial spreading form that is most common in young people. It travels on the top layer of the skin for some time, before penetrating deep into the body. The first sign of the cancer is flat or raised discolored patch with irregular borders in a geometrical form. Its color varies and can occur in any previously benign mole. This skin cancer is found anywhere on the body, but is most likely to occur in women’s legs, men’s trunk or the upper back in both.

Lentigo maligna is similar to the superficial melanoma as it too remains close to the skin surface. It appears as a flat or slightly elevated mottled tan or dark brown discoloration. This cancer is predominant in the elderly and its causes are chronic sun exposure, damage of facial skin and skin on ears, arms and upper trunk. If this cancer becomes invasive, it is referred to as lentigo maligna melanoma.

Though acral lentiginous melanoma is a form of melanoma that also spreads superficially before deep penetration in the body, it is different from the other forms of melanoma as it appears as black or brown discoloration under the nails or soles of feet and palms. This form of melanoma skin cancer is common in African-Americans and Asians and least common in Caucasians.

When first diagnosed, nodular melanoma skin cancer is invasive. It is when it becomes a bump that is blue, brown, tan, red, white, gray or skin tone that its malignancy be recognized. This form of skin cancer is predominant on arms, legs and trunks of elderly people, and the scalp of men.

Some of the Signs of Skin Cancer

Skin cancer is one of the many types of cancer a person can suffer from. Today, the number of cases of skin cancer is escalating at a high speed in the United States of America. With some knowledge of skin cancer, it is possible to control skin cancer at the first signs of skin cancer.

It is important to have your skin examined if you find some suspicious moles or skin lesions on your skin. People having a history of previous skin cancer, a family of people suffering from skin cancer or 50 or more moles have to have their skin examined. Though atypical moles or dysplastic nevi are not cancerous, some are. So have them examined if you find them on your body.

Basically, the early signs of skin cancer include changes in the skin like irritations, sores that don’t heal and growth or change in the wart or mole. There is a rule of detection for skin cancer by the American Cancer Society that should be followed for detecting signs of skin cancer. Asymmetry in the mole where one half does not match the other, moles that grow larger than 6 mm should be of concern, changes in skin pigmentation and color distribution and ragged, notched or blurred borders are all considered early signs of skin cancer. Consult the doctor if you find any of these signs on your body.

The other changes in a mole include the changes you find in the elevation of the mole like thickening and raising of mole that was originally flat, changes in the surface like oozing, bleeding and crusting and different sensations like itching, tingling or burning. Changes in consistency of the mole or its surrounding skin are also considered signs of skin cancer. Besides changes in moles in your body, there are other signs you have to look out for to detect signs of skin cancer.

Telangietasias or firm and transparent bumps that are laced with tiny blood vessels in thin red lines and reddish or irritated patches of skin are signs of cancer. In addition to this, open sores that ooze and bleed and crusts that don’t heal for 3 weeks should be investigated. Persistent red bumps on exposed skin and new smooth skin bumps having raised borders with an indented center should not be ignored. If you find a sore that does not heal or thickened skin on the lower lip because of smoking or chewing tobacco, or because of over-exposure of your lips to the sun and wind can all be signs of skin cancer.

It is better to check your skin every month for signs or changes in your skin, and have periodical checks by the doctor. And if you have suffered from skin cancer before, go for frequent examinations to be on the safe side.