Melanoma is an oncological disease characterized by the development of malignant neoplasms on the skin. Cancerous tumors originate from melanocyte cells, which contain the pigment melanin, responsible for skin coloring. Due to this, as a rule, melanomas are colored in an intense brown-black color. In rare cases, there are non-pigmented melanomas that are not related to melanin in any way.
CAUSES OF MELANOMA
Melanoma is a long–known disease that doctors have managed to study well enough and compile a list of causes and provoking factors that can contribute to the development of a malignant disease.
Persons with light milky skin are most susceptible to the development of skin cancer. The second contingent of people is a combination of pale skin, red hair and freckles.
The second important factor is heredity. If the patient has relatives who have already had this disease, this is a reason to think about the diagnosis and the possible risk of developing melanoma.
People who have a large number of moles of the most diverse type and size on their body should definitely contact a dermatologist-oncologist for consultation, since some of these moles, as a rule, have a malignant character. Elderly people are also more prone to melanoma than children and adolescents.
The presence of a history of sunburn should also alert the patient – an overabundance of ultraviolet light can provoke a sharp development of melanoma. This can also include a pathological love of tanning beds.
SYMPTOMS OF MELANOMA
Not all moles can be mistaken for malignant. When conducting self-diagnosis, you need to be guided by a number of simple rules, with which you can identify only suspicious moles. The final verdict can only be delivered by an oncologist based on the data after a biopsy of a suspicious mole or birthmark.
So, the symptoms that may indicate a malignant formation:
The mole suddenly changed color, shape, consistency.
The size is more than 5 mm.
Bleeding of the mole.
Uneven edges of the birthmark.
Uneven coloring, dotted inclusions of a darker color.
Itching, discomfort.
Sudden growth of a mole, fuzzy edges.
DIAGNOSIS AND TREATMENT OF MELANOMA
All persons at risk should definitely visit a dermatologist for consultation and examination. The doctor should interview the patient, establish a family history, determine the risk group.
Next, the doctor should inspect all moles, nevi, birthmarks and other suspicious skin elements. Despite the fact that some experienced doctors can determine a malignant formation only by its shape and appearance, the final diagnosis can be established only after additional diagnostics – the results of a biopsy of moles.
If the patient goes to the doctor with melanoma, which is in the late stages, additional examination is also required, namely:
Magnetic resonance imaging.
Radiography.
Ultrasound diagnostics.
And other methods.
Melanoma is treated by surgical and combined methods. For melanoma, which was diagnosed at an early stage, the most optimal way would be surgical removal of the neoplasm. For melanoma that has metastasized, a more comprehensive approach to treatment is required.
After surgery, radiation exposure, additional immunotherapy is required.
COMPLICATIONS
Undiagnosed melanoma spreads rapidly to regional lymph nodes in time, metastases develop in various organs and tissues.
