Melanoma is a type of cancer, typically skin cancer; it develops from the melanin-producing cells known as melanocytes.[1] It typically occurs in the skin, but may rarely occur in the mouth, intestines, or eye (uveal melanoma).[1][2] In very rare cases melanoma can also happen in the lung, which is known as primary pulmonary melanoma and only happens in 0.01% of primary lung tumors.[7]

on

 

Here is a well-structured, Markdown-formatted blog article based on your melanoma content, expanded into a complete, reader-friendly post with headings, details, and SEO-friendly flow.

Melanoma: Causes, Symptoms, Types, Diagnosis & Treatment – Complete Guide

Melanoma is a serious form of cancer that most often develops in the skin. It arises from melanocytes, the pigment-producing cells responsible for making melanin, which gives skin, hair, and eyes their color. Although melanoma commonly occurs in the skin, it can also appear in other parts of the body where melanocytes are present.

This article provides a comprehensive overview of melanoma, including its causes, symptoms, types, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment options.

What Is Melanoma?

Melanoma is a type of cancer that begins in melanocytes. These cells can become cancerous due to DNA damage, often caused by ultraviolet (UV) radiation from sunlight or tanning devices.

While most melanomas occur on sun-exposed skin, they may also develop:

  • In the mouth

  • In the intestines

  • In the eye (known as uveal melanoma)

In extremely rare cases, melanoma can also form in the lungs. This rare condition, known as primary pulmonary melanoma, accounts for only 0.01% of all primary lung tumors.

How Melanoma Develops

Melanocytes respond to UV exposure by producing more melanin (tanning). However, excessive UV radiation can damage the DNA inside these cells. When the DNA damage cannot be repaired, melanocytes may begin to grow uncontrollably, forming melanoma.

Who Is at Risk?

Several factors increase melanoma risk:

1. UV Exposure

  • Excessive sun exposure

  • Frequent sunburns, especially blistering ones in childhood

  • Use of tanning beds

2. Skin Type

  • Fair skin that burns easily

  • Light-colored eyes or hair

  • Presence of many moles or atypical moles

3. Genetics

  • Family history of melanoma

  • Certain gene mutations or inherited syndromes

4. Other Risk Factors

  • Weakened immune system

  • Older age

  • Previous melanoma or skin cancer history

Symptoms of Melanoma

The most common sign is a new mole or a change in an existing mole.
Melanoma typically follows the ABCDE rule:

  • A – Asymmetry: One half of the mole doesn’t match the other.

  • B – Border: Edges are irregular or blurred.

  • C – Color: Multiple colors (brown, black, red, white, blue).

  • D – Diameter: Larger than 6 mm (about the size of a pencil eraser).

  • E – Evolving: Changes in size, shape, or symptoms (itching, bleeding).

Other symptoms include:

  • Dark streaks under fingernails or toenails

  • Pigmented patches in the eye (in uveal melanoma)

  • Persistent lesions in the mouth or intestine (rare melanomas)

Types of Melanoma

1. Superficial Spreading Melanoma

Most common type; grows along the top layer of skin before invading deeper.

2. Nodular Melanoma

Aggressive; grows rapidly downward into the skin.

3. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma

Typically affects older adults with long-term sun damage.

4. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma

Occurs on palms, soles, or under nails; more common in darker skin tones.

5. Uveal Melanoma

Develops in the eye's melanocytes.

6. Mucosal Melanoma

Forms in moist body surfaces like the mouth, nasal passages, or intestines.

7. Primary Pulmonary Melanoma (Extremely Rare)

A very rare form that arises inside the lungs, accounting for only 0.01% of primary lung cancers.

Diagnosis

Melanoma diagnosis typically includes:

  • Skin examination

  • Dermatoscopy

  • Biopsy (to confirm cancer cells)

  • Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET) for staging

  • Genetic testing for specific mutations (e.g., BRAF)

Stages of Melanoma

Melanoma is staged from Stage 0–IV based on:

  • Depth of invasion

  • Spread to lymph nodes

  • Spread to distant organs (metastasis)

Treatment Options

Treatment depends on the stage and type of melanoma.

1. Surgery

Most early melanomas are removed surgically.

2. Immunotherapy

Medicines that help the immune system attack cancer cells.

3. Targeted Therapy

Drugs targeting specific mutations (e.g., BRAF or MEK inhibitors).

4. Radiation Therapy

Used when surgery isn’t possible or for metastatic melanoma.

5. Chemotherapy

Less common today but used in selected cases.

Prevention Tips

  • Use broad-spectrum sunscreen (SPF 30 or higher).

  • Avoid tanning beds.

  • Wear protective clothing and hats.

  • Stay in the shade during peak sunlight hours.

  • Check your skin regularly for changes.

  • Get yearly skin examinations if you're high-risk.

Conclusion

Melanoma is a potentially life-threatening cancer, but it is highly treatable when detected early. Understanding its symptoms, risk factors, and early warning signs can significantly improve outcomes. Regular skin checks, sun protection, and timely medical evaluation are essential for prevention and early diagnosis.

If you want, I can also provide:
✅ SEO keywords
✅ Meta description
✅ A shorter summary version
✅ A Tamil translation
Just tell me!

 


"This Content Sponsored by SBO Digital Marketing.

Mobile-Based Part-Time Job Opportunity by SBO!

Earn money online by doing simple content publishing and sharing tasks. Here's how:

  • Job Type: Mobile-based part-time work
  • Work Involves:
    • Content publishing
    • Content sharing on social media
  • Time Required: As little as 1 hour a day
  • Earnings: ₹300 or more daily
  • Requirements:
    • Active Facebook and Instagram account
    • Basic knowledge of using mobile and social media

For more details:

WhatsApp your Name and Qualification to 9943990669

a.Online Part Time Jobs from Home

b.Work from Home Jobs Without Investment

c.Freelance Jobs Online for Students

d.Mobile Based Online Jobs

e.Daily Payment Online Jobs

Keyword & Tag: #OnlinePartTimeJob #WorkFromHome #EarnMoneyOnline #PartTimeJob #jobs #jobalerts #withoutinvestmentjob"


Comments

Post a Comment