It should be noted that there are two classifications of skin cancer, Melanomas and Non-Melanomas. To begin, there are three layers that comprise the skin. The top layer is called the epidermis, the middle layer is called the dermis and the bottom layer is the subcutis. Melanoma skin cancer forms in the top layer of the skin. The epidermis is very thin and its primary purpose is to protect the body. It covers and protects the organs within the body, it keeps all of the fluids within the body, it helps to keep germs out of the body, it helps to maintain the temperature of the body, it helps the body to produce Vitamin D and it protects the rest of the body from the ultraviolet rays of the sun.
The outermost layer of the epidermis is composed of basal cells which divide and then form squamous cells (also known as keratinocytes). These cells are responsible for the creation of a protein called keratin. This is a substance that helps to protect the body. Melanocyte, is another type of cell that is also present in the epidermis. These particular cells produce melanin which is more commonly referred to as pigment. The tanning of the skin helps to protect the deeper layers of skin from being damaged by the sun’s harmful ultraviolet rays. Melanocytes are the cells that have the ability to transform themselves into melanoma skin cancers.
The most common forms of skin cancer are referred to as non-melanomas. They are comprised of basal cell and squamous cell cancers. These forms of skin cancers seldom spread to other areas of the body. It should be noted that the majority of tumors that develop within the area of the skin are not cancerous and very seldom ever become cancerous.
Skin cancer is the most common form of all cancers. Melanoma is only responsible for 4-5% of all diagnosed skin cancers yet it is directly responsible for the majority of deaths that are caused by skin cancer. Without a doubt, melanoma is the most serious form of all skin cancers. Early detection and treatment of melanoma usually offers the patient with a curable solution. If melanoma is left untreated, it will generally spread to other parts of the body. When this occurs, melanoma is said to be in its advanced stage and can result in death.
The latest statistics that were provided by the American Cancer Society are for the year 2010. They estimated that there would be approximately 68,100 new cases of melanoma skin cancer diagnosed in the United States and approximately 8,700 deaths would occur because of this disease. That equates to a curable rate of 87.3% which is significantly higher than most individuals anticipate.
The majority of melanomas are brown or black because they have their origin in the melanocytes. However, this is not always the case. Melanomas can be white, pink or tan. They will usually be found on the chest or on the back of men and on the legs of women. It should be noted that melanomas are not restricted to these areas. They can be found on most any part of the body.
THE RISK FACTORS OF MELANOMA
Ultraviolet (UV) Light Exposure
An individual that is exposed to ultraviolet (UV) radiation is at increased risk for developing melanoma. Sunlight, tanning lamps, and tanning beds are the main sources of ultraviolet radiation, which can damage the skin cells.
Moles
An individual that has many moles is more likely to develop melanoma.
Age
Melanoma if more likely to occur in older people, but can be found in any age group.
Gender
Men have a greater risk for melanoma than women in the United States.
Fair Skin
Individuals that have fair skin that freckles and/or burns easily are at increased risk for melanoma. Whites are ten times more likely to have melanoma than African Americans.
Personal History
An individual that has already had melanoma is at increased risk of being diagnosed with melanoma again sometime during their lifetime.
Family History
An individual that has had a family member diagnosed with melanoma has a greater risk of also being diagnosed with this cancer.
Immune Suppression
An individual that has been treated with a prescribed medication that has rigorously suppressed their immune system is at greater risk for melanoma.
HOW TO PREVENT MELANOMA
Reduce Ultraviolet (UV) Exposure
By properly protecting yourself from direct sunlight, you will reduce the amount of ultraviolet (UV) radiation exposure and you will lower your risk of melanoma. Try to seek shaded areas whenever possible.
Avoid Tanning Lamps and Beds
Refrain from using a tanning lamp or a tanning bed since both sources emit ultraviolet (UV) radiation.
Protect Your Children From the Sun
Children spend a lot of time outside playing and need to be protected from the sun’s harmful UV radiation. It is recommended that children under the age of 6 months should not be exposed to direct sunlight if at all possible.
Use Sunscreen
Always use sunscreens and lip balm (that contains sunscreen) whenever you are going to be exposed to the sun. Dermatologists recommend using a sun protection factor (SPF) of 30 or more between the hours of 10 am and 4 pm. Always remember that you are still being exposed to UV radiation on hazy and cloudy days.
Wear Proper Clothing
Since many clothing manufacturers are providing UV-protected clothing today, you might consider purchasing some of this clothing for when you will be out and about in direct sunlight. There are new products on the market that you can add to your washing cycle that will add a layer of UV protection to your clothes.
UV radiation will be able to penetrate a lot of clothes that you may wear. The amount of penetration depends entirely upon the weave of the fabric as well as the fabric’s color and its thickness. Dark colors are better than light and a tightly woven fabrics are much better than those that are loosely woven. Don’t forget, dry clothes provide more protection than wet.
Long sleeve shirts, long pants and long dresses or skirts are your first line of defense against the sun. Wearing a proper hat with a 2-3" brim will also be helpful. A hat with a loosely woven fabric will not provide you with the protection that you really need.
Wear Proper Sunglasses
Consider wearing wrap-around sunglasses to provide your eyes with maximum protection. Make sure that your sunglasses block at least 99% of the UVA and UVB light.
Monthly Skin Exams
At least once per month, check your entire body for anything that may look suspicious. Make sure that you use a hand mirror to check every inch of your body.
Genetic Counseling and Testing
Documented proof states that it’s possible to inherit a gene mutation that is passed down through families. You should seek counseling if any of the following applies.
• You have had melanoma more than once.
• A family member has had melanoma more than once.
• Several family members (on one side of your family) have had melanoma.
• Someone in your family has had both melanoma and pancreatic cancer.
Education
Take a little time and learn as much as you can about melanoma. The links below will be a good place for you to start.
As you can see, there are quite a few precautions that you can take to lessen the risk of being diagnosed with melanoma. The images below show typical examples of benign and malignant melanomas based of various characteristics. Always remember to immediately consult a physician whenever you find a mole or a growth that looks suspicious. As previously stated, the majority of melanoma skin cancers can be cured if they are detected and treated early enough. Those that have the chance to spread into other parts of your body can prove to be fatal.
