Melanoma is a highly malignant skin cancer, and its incidence has increased year by year in recent years, becoming a health problem of global concern. Due to the lack of obvious symptoms in the early stages, many patients are often diagnosed only after their condition has worsened, missing the best time for treatment.
Melanoma is cancer caused by the abnormal growth of melanocytes, which usually appears on the skin but can also occur in areas such as the eyes, mouth, nasal cavity, etc. In melanoma, cells get out of control, forming tumors that may spread to other organs in the body.
Types of melanoma
1. Superficial diffuse type: the most common, usually presents as irregular color changes and spots.
2. Nodular type: a fast-growing, raised lump, usually dark brown or black.
3. Symmetrical: Commonly found on the palms, soles of the feet and under the nails, with a preference for dark colors.
4. Malignant melanoma: develops rapidly and may be accompanied by swollen lymph nodes.
The symptoms of melanoma are varied, but early detection and recognition of these symptoms is essential to improve cure rates. Here are some common melanoma symptoms:
1. Asymmetry: Benign pigmented nevi are generally symmetrical, while melanoma is usually asymmetrical in shape.
2. Irregular margins: Malignant melanoma has irregular edges, jagged changes, rough surface with scaly or flaky desquamation, and oozing or bleeding may occur.
3. Color change: Melanoma can appear as black, brown, brown, blue, pink, white and other colors, and the color is unevenly distributed.
6. Enlarged diameter: Common moles are generally less than 0 mm in diameter, while malignant melanoma is usually larger than 0 mm in diameter.
5. Bulge or depression: Melanoma may have significant bulge or depression changes in a short period of time.
In addition, melanoma may also be accompanied by symptoms such as itching, bleeding, ulcers, and lymph node metastasis.
The exact cause of melanoma isn't fully understood, but some known risk factors include:
1. Ultraviolet radiation: Overexposure to the sun or using tanning beds, ultraviolet radiation can damage the DNA of skin cells, increasing the risk of melanoma.
2. Skin type: People with fairer skin and easy sunburn are at higher risk, especially those with a lot of freckles and moles.
3. Family history: If someone in the family has had melanoma in the past, other family members are also at increased risk.
4. Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as organ transplant patients or HIV-infected people, are more vulnerable to melanoma.
5. Giant and multiple moles: People with multiple moles or large congenital moles have a higher risk of melanoma.
The diagnosis of melanoma generally involves the following steps:
1. Medical history: The doctor will ask about the personal and family medical history to understand how the symptoms developed.
2. Physical Examination: Perform a comprehensive skin examination, including observation of all skin areas throughout the body.
3. Biopsy: If a suspicious mole or lump is found, a skin biopsy may be performed to take a tissue sample for pathological examination to confirm the presence of cancer cells.
4. Imaging: In some cases, CT scans or MRIs can be used to assess for metastases.
Treatment options for melanoma usually depend on the stage and location of the disease and include:
1. Surgical treatment:
2. Adjuvant Therapy:
1. Sun protection
Ultraviolet (UV) radiation is one of the main causes of melanoma. Therefore, sun protection is the first step in melanoma prevention.
Use a sunscreen: Choose a broad-spectrum sunscreen with an SPF of 20 or higher and PA+++ or higher to effectively block UVA and UVB radiation. Apply 0 minutes before going outside the house daily and reapply every two hours, especially after swimming or sweating.
Wear protective clothing: Wear long-sleeved clothing, long pants, and a wide-brimmed hat to reduce the area of your skin exposed to direct sunlight. Choose clothing with a high UPF (ultraviolet protection factor) for better protection.
Wear sunglasses: Choose sunglasses that block 100% to 0% of UVA and UVB radiation to protect the skin around your eyes.
避免高峰时段：尽量避免在上午10点至下午4点之间外出，这段时间紫外线辐射最强。
2. Regular self-checks
Regular skin checks to detect suspicious moles or spots early are important ways to prevent melanoma.
Monthly self-checks: Under bright light, carefully inspect the skin all over the body, especially areas that are susceptible to UV exposure, such as the face, neck, arms, and legs.
Record changes: Record changes in the size, shape, color, and height of moles, and seek medical attention if abnormalities are found.
Use the ABCDE Rule:
3. Healthy lifestyle
Maintaining a healthy lifestyle and boosting the body's immunity can help prevent melanoma.
Eat a balanced diet: Eat a rich diet of fruits and vegetables, especially foods rich in antioxidants, such as blueberries, tomatoes, and green tea, to help protect your skin.
Moderate exercise: Maintain an appropriate amount of physical exercise to enhance physical fitness and improve immunity.
Quit smoking and limit alcohol: Avoid smoking and excessive alcohol consumption to reduce damage to the skin.
Maintain a good attitude: Reducing stress and maintaining a positive and optimistic mindset can help maintain good health.
4. Avoid artificial ultraviolet radiation
Artificial UV radiation, such as tanning beds and UV lamps, can also increase the risk of melanoma.
Avoid tanning beds: Try not to use tanning beds, especially for young people and people with sensitive skin.
Use UV lamps with caution: If the use of UV lamps is required for medical reasons, they should be done under the guidance of a medical professional.
5. Regular medical check-ups
Get regular skin exams, especially if you have high-risk factors such as a family history of melanoma, light skin, and a large number of moles.
Specialized check-ups: Specialized check-ups by a dermatologist at least once a year, especially for high-risk groups.
Early diagnosis: If a suspicious mole or spot is found, seek medical attention promptly for further investigation and diagnosis.
Melanoma is a highly aggressive type of skin cancer, and understanding its symptoms, causes and preventive measures is essential to protect yourself and your family's health. Through a good lifestyle, regular check-ups and early identification, we can effectively reduce the risk of melanoma and improve the prognosis. If you notice any suspicious skin changes, it is important to consult a medical professional for prompt diagnosis and treatment.