Malignant Melanoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention
Understanding
Malignant melanoma is malignant cancer that originates from melanocytes, namely cells that function to absorb ultraviolet light and protect the skin from damage.
Malignant melanoma is the cause of 75% of all skin cancer deaths. The risk of malignant melanoma increases in people who have lots of moles or have a family history of the disease.
Malignant melanoma can be found anywhere on the body. Most often on the chest and back in men, whereas in the lower legs in women. Another common location is the face and neck. Malignant melanoma can also be found in the areas of the eyes, mouth, genitals and anus, although this is rare.
Symptom
Malignant melanoma often appears as a new mole or brown spot on the skin. The first sign of melanoma is a spot that looks different from a regular mole, changes shape or size or color, feels itchy, or bleeds.
Malignant melanoma can spread quickly to other parts of the body. Therefore, this condition requires immediate detection and treatment by a doctor.
Reason
Until now, the exact cause of malignant melanoma is not known. However, there are several factors that are often associated with malignant melanoma, such as:
• Excessive UV exposure.
• The skin is often sunburned, especially since childhood.
• There is a history of malignant melanoma from parents.
• Having more than 50 moles on the body.
Diagnosis
The diagnosis is based on interviews, physical examination, histopathological examination (biopsy) of the skin, and radiology.
The doctor will ask about when the skin lesions first appeared; change in size or shape; symptoms of itching, burning, bleeding, and others; exposure to risk factors for skin cancer (including sun exposure); and a family history of the same disease.
A physical examination was carried out with the help of a dermoscope. With dermoscopy can be assessed the size, color, and texture of the lesion.
After a physical examination of the lesion, proceed with examining the enlarged lymph nodes around the neck, armpits or around the lesion. Malignant melanoma will usually metastasize to nearby lymph nodes.
The next step is a skin biopsy and radiological examination. This radiological examination needs to be done if a malignant melanoma is suspected of having metastasized to other organs.
Treatment
Handling of malignant melanoma based on the stage is as follows:
- Stage 1: The doctor will perform surgery to remove melanoma cells.
- Stage 2 & 3: Same as stage 1, the melanoma-infected area will be removed. Skin grafting surgery will be performed if needed.
- Stage 4: At this stage, melanoma is difficult to cure. Treatment is only aimed at slowing the spread of cancer, extending the life span of sufferers, and reducing symptoms.
Prevention
The main prevention of malignant melanoma is by early detection of skin cancer. You can check your own skin with the help of family or friends, or through a clinical examination.
Several other things are also needed to reduce the risk of developing malignant melanoma, namely:
- Limit yourself from exposure to UV rays. If you go out of your house or building when the sun is shining brightly, protect yourself by wearing closed clothes and applying sunscreen. You can also wear a hat and sunglasses to protect your eyes and the skin around them which is sensitive.
- Moles, regardless of their shape, should be examined by a doctor. If considered at risk of becoming a malignant melanoma, it should be discarded. If a mole is found that has just appeared on the face, has an odd shape, and is enlarged, it must be examined immediately.
- Counseling every 6 months or so and doing some genetic testing if you are at high risk. If in the family there are sufferers of malignant melanoma or have a history of suffering from malignant melanoma, then the risk of getting it will be higher.