Conditions InDepth: Melanoma

by ]]>Debra Wood, RN]]>

Melanoma is skin cancer of the melanocytes, the cells that produce skin color and give moles their dark color.

Moles are collections of melanocytes. Normally, moles are benign. Sometimes, however, a mole can develop into melanoma. A new mole may also be an early sign of melanoma. The three major types of skin cancer are basal cell, squamous cell, and melanoma. Basal cell and squamous cell are the two most common. Melanomas account for only 5% of all skin cancer cases; however, they are more dangerous because they are far more likely to spread to other parts of the body. Melanomas are responsible for about 79% of skin cancer deaths.

Melanoma

Melanoma occurs when melanocytes divide without control or order. The disease typically starts in the skin, but it also may arise in other areas where melanocytes are found, such as in the eyes, digestive system, nail beds, or lymph nodes.

Ultraviolet radiation from the sun is the main cause of skin cancer. Artificial radiation from sun lamps and tanning booths can also cause skin cancer. Exposure to sun is the primary cause of melanoma, although some patients have a hereditary predisposition to develop these malignancies.

According to the American Cancer Society, 62,480 people in the United States will be diagnosed with melanoma in the year 2008.

]]>What are the risk factors for melanoma?]]>
]]>What are the symptoms of melanoma?]]>
]]>How is melanoma diagnosed?]]>
]]>What are the treatments for melanoma?]]>
]]>Are there screening tests for melanoma?]]>
]]>How can I reduce my risk of melanoma?]]>
]]>What questions should I ask my doctor?]]>
]]>What is it like to live with melanoma?]]>
]]>Where can I get more information about melanoma?]]>

References:

American Cancer Society website. Available at: http://www.cancer.org/docroot/home/index.asp . Accessed September 22, 2008.

National Cancer Institute website. Available at: http://www.cancer.gov/ .

Last reviewed July 2008 by ]]>Ross Zeltser, MD, FAAD]]>

Please be aware that this information is provided to supplement the care provided by your physician. It is neither intended nor implied to be a substitute for professional medical advice. CALL YOUR HEALTHCARE PROVIDER IMMEDIATELY IF YOU THINK YOU MAY HAVE A MEDICAL EMERGENCY. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider prior to starting any new treatment or with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.