What is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a skin illness. Cancerous cells are produced in the melanocytes, cells that are responsible for skin color. Melanocytes, in the skin, are also discovered in other parts of the body, like the eyes. A majority of documented melanoma infection originates in the skin. It is a skin cancer. Melanoma is also recognized as malignant melanoma or cutaneous melanoma. It is curable, but an early diagnosis and treatment is extremely crucial.

According to scientific analysis on melanoma, an exposure to ultraviolet radiation is a major trigger. Dermatologists usually debate on the association of sunlight with melanoma. They think that occasional exposure to extreme sun can not be related to melanoma. Melanoma is frequently identified in black men.

Other than the U.V. rays of the sun the other causes of this cancer are mutations or the total loss of tumor suppressing genes. Melanoma is also caused by the standard use of sun beds. These beds are identified to permit deep penetration of UV rays.

Doctors diagnose melanoma by examining suspicious moles, irregular in color or shape. Right after a visual examination, a dermatoscopic examination is conducted. It assists to illuminate the moles, revealing the underlying pigment and vascular network structure. This assists to confirm the presence of melanoma. It is advisable for the diagnosis to be performed by an skilled specialist. The early stages melonama appear identical to harmless moles.

The treatment of melanoma is also performed inside a multidisciplinary approach. This consists of medication and radiation. The opinion of surgical oncologists, general surgeons, neurologists and neurosurgeons is also valuable. The medication or chemotherapy for superficial melanomas, such as lentigo maligna melanoma, entails the use of imiquimod topical cream. It is an immune enhancing agent.

It is crucial for people, with loved ones members diagnosed with melanoma to get themselves checked often for skin cancer.