Melanoma

About Melanoma:

• Melanoma is a kind of skin cancer that starts in the melanocytes.
• Melanocytes are cells that make the pigment that gives skin its color. The pigment is called melanin.
• It typically starts on skin that's often exposed to the sun. This includes the skin on the arms, back, face and legs.
• Rarely, it can happen inside the body, such as in the nose or throat.
• Cause
  • The exact cause of all melanomas isn't clear.
  • Most melanomas are caused by exposure to ultraviolet light. Ultraviolet light, also called UV light, comes from sunlight or tanning lamps and beds.
• Symptoms of Melanoma
  • The first melanoma signs and symptoms often are:
    • A change in an existing mole.
    • The development of a new pigmented or unusual-looking growth on the skin.
    • It doesn't always begin as a mole. It also can happen on otherwise healthy skin.
  • Treatments for melanoma
    • Melanoma Surgery: In the early stages, surgery has a high probability of being able to cure melanoma.
    • Lymphadenectomy: In cases where melanoma has spread, removal of the lymph nodes near the primary diagnosis site may be required.
    • Metastasectomy: It is used to remove small melanoma bits from organs.