Melanoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

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Melanoma Definition, Reason, Symptoms, Treatment & Prevention

Understanding

Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that occurs due to abnormal growth of melanocytes, which are cells that produce skin pigment. This disease is the most malignant skin cancer because it is very easy to spread to other organs of the body such as the lungs and brain.

It generally looks like a new mole or develops from an existing mole. This melanoma generally has an irregular shape and size that exceeds the limits of normal moles. Usually, to differentiate between melanoma and an ordinary mole, the ABCDE method is used:

  1. asymmetrical, namely the shape of an irregular mole
  2. border, meaning that the edges or edges of melanoma are uneven, rough, and not like moles in general
  3. color (color), melanoma usually looks like a mixture of two or three colors
  4. diameter, where the diameter of melanoma is usually greater than 6 millimeters
  5. enlargement or evolution, meaning that there is an enlargement or change in shape and size of a mole or melanoma

Symptom

The shape of melanoma generally resembles an ordinary mole. Normal moles are usually small, brown or blackish brown, and round or oval in shape.

Generally, the size is less than 6 mm and does not enlarge. Conversely, moles that need to be suspected are a sign of melanoma having one of the following characteristics:

  • The shape is asymmetrical, not round or oval
  • The edges of a mole are uneven or jagged
  • There may be a change in color to a reddish, pale, or bluish tint
  • It’s growing in size
  • Moles bleed easily
  • Feel itchy or painful on the mole
  • The skin around the mole looks red or swollen
  • The skin on the surface of the mole peels off easily

Reason

The exact cause of melanoma is not known with certainty. However, the following conditions make a person more susceptible to melanoma:

  • Many spots appear on the skin after exposure to sunlight
  • Has lots of moles
  • Often exposed to sunlight
  • The skin burns because it has been in the sun for a long time
  • Having a family with melanoma (genetic factor)
  • Have had an organ transplant

Diagnosis

To confirm the presence of melanoma, initially the doctor will examine the skin that is suspected of having a disorder. If there is a suspicion that it leads to melanoma, then the doctor will then do a biopsy.

The biopsy procedure is done by taking a small amount of tissue from the skin that is not normal. Furthermore, the tissue will be examined in the laboratory (histopathological examination).

In addition, if melanoma is suspected to have spread to other organs, sometimes an ultrasound, X-ray, or CT scan is also needed to confirm it.

Treatment

The main treatment for melanoma is surgery. Generally, surgery is done together with a biopsy. The operation is performed by taking all parts of the tumor as well as a small amount of healthy skin around it.

If it is suspected that the melanoma has spread to the lymph nodes, a lymph node biopsy also needs to be done. Other treatments that can also help treat melanoma are chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and radiation.

Prevention

To prevent melanoma, avoid excessive exposure to ultraviolet radiation by:

  • Use closed clothing to protect the skin from sunburn.
  • Use sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 15 for 1 hour before leaving the house.
  • Apply sunscreen every two hours if you are still outside the house or in the hot sun.
  • As much as possible, avoid exposure to direct sunlight at 10–16 o’clock

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