Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the cells that produce the pigment that gives skin its color. It occurs when these cells grow out of control and form a tumor. Melanoma is the most serious type of skin cancer and it can spread to other parts of the body.
Most melanomas begin as a new spot on the skin that has different characteristics than the rest of the skin. It may be larger than other spots, have different colors, or have an irregular shape. Most melanomas can be prevented by protecting your skin from the sun, avoiding tanning beds, and performing self-exams.
Sun exposure is the most common cause of melanoma, and it's responsible for up to 90% of melanomas in fair-skinned people. Spending time in the sun without proper protection can damage your skin, causing it to become darker, wrinkled, and more prone to cancer. Sunburns can increase your risk for melanoma, so it's important to stay out of the sun, wear sunscreen, and wear protective clothing. Tanning beds also contribute to increased melanoma risk, as the UV rays from tanning beds are more intense than those from the sun.
Aside from sun exposure, there are other risk factors that can increase your chances of developing melanoma. These include a family history of melanoma, a weakened immune system, and a history of sunburns or excessive sun exposure. People with certain genetic conditions, such as xeroderma pigmentosum, are also at an increased risk.
To diagnose melanoma, a doctor will perform a physical exam to check for suspicious spots on the skin. If a suspicious spot is found, a biopsy may be performed to determine whether it is cancerous. Depending on the severity of the cancer and its stage, treatment may involve surgery, radiation, chemotherapy, or a combination of therapies.
Melanoma is a serious form of skin cancer that can be deadly if not treated early. To reduce your risk of developing melanoma, it's important to protect yourself from the sun, avoid tanning beds, and perform regular self-exams. With proper protection and early diagnosis, melanoma can be successfully treated.