About Malignant Melanoma

There are many medical diseases that can make one’s life difficult, but there are a few which are as frowned upon as malignant melanoma. First, let us see what melanoma really is. After that we will talk more about the other aspects of this disease, such as the symptoms and treatment. First, the most important thing – melanoma is a type of a cancer. We all know how serious cancer is, so if you ever suspect on something of that sort you should immediately contact you physician. Melanoma is a type of cancer that develops in the skin. More precisely, it develops in the pigment cells that we have in our skin. Our whole body is covered with skin and that is why this disease is especially serious. It can be easily spread through the patient’s whole body and if that happens, their life is at severe risk.

Malignant melanoma: Basic information

The number of people suffering from this disease is really frightening. Statistics show that just in the United States there are 50 thousand new cases each year. Although not all melanomas are considered to be a malignant melanoma, this disease should be taken extremely seriously no matter the type. A positive thing about this particular type of cancer is that it is not that hard to recognize and diagnose. It usually manifests itself as a mole somewhere on the body. In some cases it may be some mole that the patient had before, but it changed in shape and texture; and in some other cases it may be a different alternation on the skin. Each person is best familiar with their own body and that is why in many cases the patients are the first ones noticing that something is wrong. If discovered early, melanoma can be easily treated – often with a simple surgical procedure.

Malignant melanoma: Causes and factors that increase the risk

As it is the case with most medical conditions and diseases, some people are more susceptible to malignant melanoma than others. Also, there are some factors that can influence people’s chances of getting affected by melanoma. One of the biggest factors that can increase that risk is ultra-violet radiation of all kinds. We are constantly exposed to that kind of radiation, as we live under the sun. Sunbeds are also things you would ideally want to stay away from. Although many people are regularly using them, they can seriously affect your chances of getting melanoma. Furthermore, the skin type is also the factor. Fair skin, blue eyes, red hear, freckles – all of these features can increase the chances of getting affected by melanoma. We already mentioned moles earlier. Aside for these factors, the family history is also important, as well as reduced immunity (from HIV for example).

Malignant melanoma: Treatment

If the malignant melanoma is discovered early in the patient, it can be treated with surgery. Hopefully, everything will go as planned and the patient will be free from this disease after the treatment. However, in case it comes back, there are some other ways of treatment such as a radiotherapy or laser therapy. Also, there are some special procedures available if the patient is not among the lucky ones who discovered melanoma in its early stage. However, the risk of fatal consequences is much greater in those cases.