Melanoma is a type of skin cancer that begins in the melanocytes, the cells responsible for producing the pigment melanin, which gives our skin its color. While it is less common than other kinds of skin cancer, melanoma is more dangerous because it can spread to different parts of the body if not detected early. Awareness and early detection of melanoma are crucial. Catching this cancer in its early stages can make a significant difference in treatment outcomes & survival rates. Understanding what melanoma is, recognizing its symptoms, and knowing the available treatment options can help take timely action, potentially saving lives.
Table of Contents
Types Of Melanoma
A. Superficial Spreading Melanoma
Superficial spreading melanoma is the most common kind of melanoma, accounting for about 70% of all cases. This type of melanoma usually starts in the top layer of the skin and tends to spread outwards before it starts to penetrate deeper into the skin. It often appears as a flat or slightly raised patch with irregular borders and can be in various colors, such as brown, black, pink, or red. This type of melanoma is most commonly found on men’s upper back and women’s legs.
B. Nodular Melanoma
Nodular melanoma is a more aggressive form that grows more rapidly than other types. Unlike superficial spreading melanoma, nodular melanoma grows vertically into the skin, which can penetrate deeper layers more quickly. It often appears as a bump or nodule on the skin that can be black, blue, red, or even skin-colored. This type of melanoma can develop anywhere on the body but is more commonly found on the head, neck, chest, or back.
C. Acral Lentiginous Melanoma
Acral lentiginous melanoma is a rarer type that typically occurs on the palms of the hands, soles of the feet, or under the nails. It is more common in people with darker skin tones and does not appear to be related to sun exposure like other types of melanoma. This melanoma often starts as a dark spot that gradually enlarges. Because it can be mistaken for a bruise or a fungal infection, it is sometimes diagnosed at a more advanced stage.
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D. Lentigo Maligna Melanoma
Lentigo maligna melanoma is most commonly found in older adults, particularly those who have spent a lot of time in the sun. This type of melanoma starts as a flat, brownish patch of skin that looks like a large freckle or age spots, usually on areas of the body that have been heavily exposed to the sun, such as the face, ears, arms, or upper torso. Over time, the patch may grow larger and darker, and eventually, it can start to penetrate deeper into the skin.
E. Desmoplastic Melanoma
Desmoplastic melanoma is a rare type that often presents as a firm, scar-like lump. It tends to develop in skin areas exposed to the sun, such as the head and neck. Desmoplastic melanoma can be difficult to diagnose because it often lacks the typical pigment seen in other melanomas and may be mistaken for a non-cancerous growth. This type of melanoma is known for its tendency to spread along nerves, which can complicate treatment.
F. Rare Subtypes
There are also several rare subtypes of melanoma, including:
– Mucosal Melanoma: This type of melanoma occurs on the mucous membranes of the body, such as the lining of the mouth, nose, anus, or vagina. It is not related to sun exposure and is often detected at a more advanced stage because it develops in less visible areas.
– Ocular Melanoma: Also known as uveal melanoma, this type of melanoma develops in the eye, specifically in the uvea, which is the center layer of the eye. It can affect vision and, if not treated, may spread to other body parts.
These rare subtypes are less common but can be more challenging to diagnose & treat because they often occur in locations that are not easily visible or are mistaken for other conditions.
Melanoma Causes & Risk Factors
While the exact cause of melanoma isn’t always clear, some key factors are known to increase the risk.
1. UV Radiation Exposure:
– The most significant cause of melanoma is exposure to ultraviolet (UV) radiation, primarily from the sun. UV rays can damage the DNA in skin cells, leading to changes that can cause melanoma to develop.
– Tanning beds and sunlamps also emit UV radiation, making them a significant risk factor for melanoma.
2. Genetic Factors:
– Sometimes, melanoma can run in families. If you have close relatives who have had melanoma, you may have a higher possibility of developing it yourself.
– Certain genetic mutations inherited from parents can also make someone more susceptible to melanoma. One example is a mutation in the CDKN2A gene, which plays a vital role in cell growth regulation.
3. Moles:
– Having many moles or unusual moles, known as dysplastic nevi, increases the risk of melanoma. Dysplastic nevi are not cancerous but appear different from ordinary moles and are more likely to become melanoma.
– People with large, irregularly shaped moles should be particularly vigilant about monitoring changes in their skin.
4. Fair Skin, Freckles, and Light Hair:
– Individuals with fair skin, red or blonde hair, & light-colored eyes are at a higher risk of acquiring melanoma. This is because they have less melanin, the pigment that provides some protection against UV radiation.
5. Weakened Immune System:
– Individuals with weakened immunity, like those who have had an organ transplant or are consuming medicines that suppress the immune system, have a higher risk of developing melanoma.
– Certain conditions, like HIV/AIDS, can also lower the body’s ability to fight off melanoma.
6. Family or Personal History of Skin Cancer:
– If you or a family member has had melanoma or another kind of skin cancer, your risk of developing melanoma is higher.
– A personal history of non-cancerous skin conditions or even having sunburns in the past, especially during childhood, can increase the risk.
7. Age & Gender:
– Melanoma is more common in older people but can develop at any age. Men over the age of 50 are more likely to develop melanoma than women, although before the age of 50, women are more commonly affected.
8. Living in Sunny or High-Altitude Climates:
– People living near the equator or at higher elevations, where the sun’s rays are stronger, are at a higher risk of getting melanoma due to increased exposure to intense UV radiation.
Risk Factors
In addition to the causes listed above, various risk factors can increase the possibility of getting melanoma:
– Frequent Sunburns: Repeated sunburns, particularly blistering sunburns, significantly increase the risk of melanoma.
– Occupational Exposure: Jobs that require spending a lot of time outdoors without proper sun protection can increase the risk.
– Multiple Moles: Having more than 50 ordinary moles on your body can increase the risk of melanoma.
– Previous Radiation Therapy: Individuals who have received radiation therapy for other cancers may be at a higher risk.
Melanoma Symptoms & Diagnosis
Early detection of melanoma is crucial because it can spread to other parts of the body if not treated early. Here’s how you can recognize the symptoms of melanoma:
1. Changes in Existing Moles
– Shape: One of the most common signs of melanoma is a change in an existing mole. It could be a warning sign if you observe that a mole has an irregular shape or asymmetrical borders (one half doesn’t match the other).
– Size: A doctor should check a mole that suddenly increases in size, especially if it grows larger than 6 mm.
– Color: Watch for color changes. Moles with multiple colors (shades of brown, black, blue, red, or white) or uneven color distribution may indicate melanoma.
– Elevation: A mole that becomes raised or develops a different texture may also indicate melanoma.
2. New Growths
– New Moles: Developing new moles, particularly if you’re an adult, can be a symptom of melanoma. Not all new moles are dangerous, but those that look different from others (called an “ugly duckling”) should be evaluated.
– Pigmented Lesions: Any new spot or lesion that’s pigmented (darkly colored) should be checked out, especially if it’s unusual or doesn’t resemble other moles you have.
3. Itching, Tenderness, or Pain
– If a mole or spot on your skin starts to itch, feel tender, or become painful, it may be a symptom of melanoma. These sensations might be a sign that the mole is changing or growing in a way that’s not normal.
4. Bleeding, Oozing, or Crusting
– A mole that begins to bleed, ooze, or develop a crust on the surface is another potential warning sign of melanoma. Normal moles generally don’t exhibit these symptoms, so they warrant medical attention.
5. Spreading Pigment
– If the pigment from a mole spreads into the surrounding skin (this could appear as brown or black streaks extending from the mole), it may indicate that melanoma cells are growing and moving into nearby areas.
6. The Ugly Duckling Sign
– This refers to a mole that looks different from all your other moles. If you have many moles, and one looks unusual or odd, it should be examined by a medical professional.
Diagnosis Of Melanoma
If you or your doctor notice a suspicious mole or skin lesion, the next step is to confirm whether it’s melanoma through a series of diagnostic tests. Here’s a step-by-step guide to how melanoma is typically diagnosed:
1. Skin Examination
A dermatologist will thoroughly examine your skin, checking for moles and pigmented areas. They may use a device called dermatoscopy, which magnifies the skin and uses light to see structures beneath the skin’s surface. This helps to identify features typical of melanoma.
2. Biopsy
A biopsy is the only way to confirm the diagnosis if the dermatologist suspects melanoma. This involves removing all or part of the suspicious mole or lesion so that a pathologist can examine it under a microscope.
Types of Biopsies:
– Excisional Biopsy: The entire mole or lesion is removed.
– Incisional Biopsy: Only a portion of the mole or lesion is removed, especially if it’s too large to remove entirely.
– Punch Biopsy: A special tool extracts a small circular piece of the skin, including deeper layers.
3. Pathology Report
After the biopsy, the sample is sent to a laboratory where a pathologist evaluates it under a microscope. The pathologist looks for characteristics of melanoma cells, such as their size, shape, and how they’re organized.
Breslow Thickness: One key measurement is the Breslow thickness, which refers to how deep the melanoma cells have penetrated into the skin. This depth is crucial in determining the stage of melanoma and guiding treatment decisions.
4. Staging
– If melanoma is confirmed, the next step is to determine its stage, which indicates how advanced it is. Staging is based on the size & depth of the cancer tumor, whether it has spread to surrounding lymph nodes, & whether it has metastasized (spread) to distant parts of the body.
Tests for Staging:
– Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy: To check if the tumor has spread to nearby lymph nodes.
– Imaging Tests: CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs may be used to look for signs of melanoma spreading to other organs.
5. Genetic Testing
– In some cases, if the melanoma is advanced, your doctor may recommend genetic testing of the melanoma cells. This can help identify specific mutations in the cancer cells, which may guide treatment options, especially if targeted therapy is being considered.
Melanoma Treatment Options
In India, the approach to treating melanoma involves several options, each with its own set of procedures, benefits, and costs.
Surgical Removal
Surgery is the most common treatment for melanoma, especially when it’s detected early. The procedure involves removing the melanoma and some normal skin around it. The cost of surgical treatment can vary widely depending on the hospital and the cancer stage but generally ranges from INR 50,000 to INR 1,50,000.
Immunotherapy
The treatment utilizes the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Drugs like ipilimumab, nivolumab, and pembrolizumab are commonly used. These treatments can be expensive, ranging from INR 1,00,000 to INR 3,00,000 per dose, and multiple doses may be required.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapy drugs target specific genes or proteins that contribute to cancer growth. The cost for targeted therapies can range from INR 1,50,000 to INR 2,50,000 per month.
Chemotherapy
It uses drugs to kill cancer tumors & is usually reserved for melanomas that have spread to other parts of the body. The price of chemotherapy in India can differ, but it generally ranges from INR 20,000 to INR 2,00,000 per cycle, depending on the drugs used.
Radiation Therapy
It uses high-energy beams to kill cancer tumors. It’s often used after surgery to eliminate any remaining cancer cells. Depending on the number of sessions required, the price of radiation therapy in India can range from INR 50,000 to INR 2,00,000.
Costs Overview
The overall cost of melanoma treatment in India can vary from INR 2,00,000 to INR 5,00,000, which includes the cost of diagnosis, treatment, and follow-up care. It’s important to note that these costs can vary based on the hospital, city, & the patient’s specific needs.
Prevention & Protection For Melanoma
1. Shield Yourself from UV Rays
The sun emits ultraviolet (UV) rays that can damage the skin and lead to melanoma. To safeguard your skin:
– Make sure to apply sunscreen that provides broad-spectrum protection & has a minimum SPF of 30.
– Put on protective clothing like long-sleeved shirts & wide-brimmed hats.
– Stay in the shade, especially between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m.
– Avoid tanning beds as they are also a source of harmful UV rays.
2. Regular Skin Checks
Evaluate your skin for any new or changing moles or spots. If you observe anything unusual, consult a dermatologist promptly. Early detection is key to successful treatment.
3. Maintain a Healthy Immune System
Strong immunity can help your body fight diseases, including melanoma. Eating a balanced diet, exercising regularly, and getting enough sleep are essential to keeping your immune system robust.
4. Vitamin D Intake
Vitamin D is necessary for bone health & immune function. Instead of seeking sun exposure, consider getting your vitamin D from foods or supplements, as recommended by your healthcare provider.
5. Be Cautious with Medications
Some medicines can increase your skin’s sensitivity to sunlight. If your medications have such side effects, always check with your doctor or pharmacist & take necessary precautions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, melanoma is a severe form of skin cancer, but with early detection and the proper treatment, it can be managed effectively. Understanding the symptoms & seeking prompt medical attention is crucial to fighting this disease. In India, where treatment costs can be high, fundraising platforms offer a valuable way to gather financial support. These online crowdfunding platform enable individuals to raise funds for their treatment by reaching out to a larger community, making it easier to access the necessary care without overwhelming medical expenses.
