Melanoma is a serious type of skin cancer that begins in melanocytes — the cells that produce melanin, the pigment that gives skin, hair, and eyes their color.
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It can develop from an existing mole or appear as a new dark spot.
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While less common than other skin cancers, melanoma is more dangerous because it can spread (metastasize) to other parts of the body quickly if not detected early.
📚 Word Origin
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From Greek:
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“melas” (μέλας) = black
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“-oma” = tumor or swelling
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Literally: “black tumor”, referring to the dark appearance of many melanomas.
⚠️ Key Facts
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Most common in fair-skinned individuals, but anyone can develop it.
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Often caused by excessive exposure to UV radiation (from sun or tanning beds).
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Can occur anywhere on the body — even in areas not exposed to the sun (e.g., soles of feet, under nails, inside the mouth or eyes).
🧪 Causes and Risk Factors
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| UV exposure | Sunlight, tanning beds |
| Moles | Especially atypical or numerous moles |
| Family history | Genetic predisposition |
| Fair skin, freckles | Less melanin protection |
| Weakened immune system | Organ transplant, HIV/AIDS |
| Age & Gender | More common in older adults, but also in young people |
🔍 Symptoms — The ABCDE Rule
Look for changes in moles or new skin growths using the ABCDEs:
| Letter | Sign | Explanation |
|---|---|---|
| A | Asymmetry | One half doesn't match the other |
| B | Border | Irregular, scalloped, or blurred edges |
| C | Color | Multiple colors or uneven coloring |
| D | Diameter | Larger than 6 mm (pencil eraser) |
| E | Evolving | Changes in size, shape, color, or behavior (bleeding, itching) |
🧫 Diagnosis
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Skin examination by a dermatologist
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Dermatoscopy (magnified viewing)
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Biopsy — removal and laboratory analysis of suspicious lesion
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If melanoma is confirmed:
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Imaging tests (CT, MRI, PET scans) to check for spread
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💊 Treatment
| Stage | Treatment Options |
|---|---|
| Early-stage | Surgical removal — often curative |
| Intermediate | May include sentinel lymph node biopsy |
| Advanced (metastatic) |
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Immunotherapy (e.g., checkpoint inhibitors like nivolumab, pembrolizumab)
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Targeted therapy (for BRAF-mutated melanomas)
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Radiation therapy
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Chemotherapy (less commonly used now) |
🔬 Prognosis
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Early detection = high cure rate (~99% survival for localized melanoma)
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If spread to lymph nodes or organs = lower survival rates, but new treatments have improved outcomes
✅ Prevention
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Avoid tanning beds
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Use sunscreen (SPF 30+ daily)
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Wear protective clothing
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Avoid peak sun hours (10 AM – 4 PM)
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Do regular skin self-exams
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Visit a dermatologist for full-body checks, especially if at high risk
🧒 Melanoma in Unusual Sites
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Ocular Melanoma: Affects the eye
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Acral Lentiginous Melanoma: Appears on palms, soles, or under nails (more common in darker-skinned individuals)
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Mucosal Melanoma: Found in mucous membranes (nose, mouth, genital areas)